Pasta Shells with Beans Greens and Sausage
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this hearty, flavor-packed recipe for Pasta Shells with Beans, Greens, and Sausage. Combining tender pasta shells with savory Italian sausage, creamy cannellini beans, and nutrient-rich kale or spinach, this one-pan dish is both comforting and wholesome. A splash of chicken broth creates a light, silky sauce, accented by garlic, red pepper flakes, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a satisfying finish. Ready in under 40 minutes, this easy, crowd-pleasing meal is perfect for busy nights, and the vibrant parsley garnish adds a pop of freshness. Whether you're craving a savory pasta dish or searching for a delicious way to incorporate more greens into your diet, this recipe balances indulgence and nutrition in every bite.
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Ingredients
- 12 ounces medium pasta shells
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 ounces Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 15 ounces cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups kale or spinach, roughly chopped
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
- 0 to taste salt
- 0 to taste black pepper
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cannellini beans and let them heat through for 3-4 minutes.
Step 5
Add the chopped greens to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook until the greens are wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, along with the drained pasta shells. Mix everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if the mixture seems dry.
Step 7
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 8
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1776.0g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3110.4 |
| Total Fat 134.7g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 44.8g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 278.1mg | 0% |
| Sodium 6010.1mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 341.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 38.0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 25.1g | |
| Protein 141.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1113.2mg | 0% |
| Iron 19.1mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3172.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories