Name: Creamy Sausage & Peppers Shells
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Kosher salt -; 3/4 lb. medium pasta shells -; 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided -; 1 lb. sweet or spicy Italian sausage, casings removed -; 3 medium red, yellow, or orange bell peppers, stemmed, seeded, ribs removed, finely chopped (about 3 c.) -; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 c.) -; 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped -; 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes -; 6 oz. cream cheese, cubed -; 1/2 c. heavy cream -; 1/4 c. finely grated Parmesan, plus more for serving -; 5 oz. baby spinach leaves (about 5 packed c.) -

Ingredients for - Creamy Sausage & Peppers Shells

1. Kosher salt

2. 3/4 lb. medium pasta shells

3. 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

4. 1 lb. sweet or spicy Italian sausage, casings removed

5. 3 medium red, yellow, or orange bell peppers, stemmed, seeded, ribs removed, finely chopped (about 3 c.)

6. 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 c.)

7. 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

8. 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

9. 6 oz. cream cheese, cubed

10. 1/2 c. heavy cream

11. 1/4 c. finely grated Parmesan, plus more for serving

12. 5 oz. baby spinach leaves (about 5 packed c.)

How to cook deliciously - Creamy Sausage & Peppers Shells

1 . Stage

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta, stirring occasionally, until al dente, usually 2 to 3 minutes less than package instructions. Reserve 2 cups pasta water and drain pasta.

2 . Stage

Meanwhile, in a large, high-sided skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Cook sausage, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until cooked through and browned, about 8 minutes.

3 . Stage

Add bell peppers, onion, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until light golden and tender, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes more.

4 . Stage

Pour 1 1/2 cups reserved pasta water into skillet, then add cream cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, stirring, until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Add pasta and return sausage to skillet. Toss to coat, adding more pasta water a few tablespoons at a time if needed. Add spinach and stir until just wilted, about 2 minutes.

5 . Stage

Divide pasta among bowls. Top with more Parmesan.