Chipotle Cheese Italian Sausage Shell Pasta Bake

• 12 oz uncooked jumbo pasta shells
• 1 lb Italian sausage, casing removed
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
• 2 tbsp chipotle chili powder
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2 Cook pasta shells according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. 3 In a large skillet, cook sausage, onion, and garlic over medium heat until sausage is no longer pink.
4. 4 Stir in green chilies, chipotle chili powder, tomato sauce, and kidney beans. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. 5 In a medium bowl, mix mozzarella, cheddar, sour cream, milk, Parmesan, and smoked paprika.
6. 6 Combine cooked pasta shells with sausage mixture and cheese sauce until well coated.
7. 7 Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
8. 8 Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and top is golden brown.
9. 9 Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Baking dish (9x13 inch)
• Mixing bowls

Variations

• Add diced tomatoes for a fresher taste or use turkey sausage for a leaner option.

Substitutions

• Use ground beef or turkey if Italian sausage is unavailable.

Pairings

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra spice, add an additional chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
• This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake covered at 350°F for 30 minutes, uncover, and bake another 15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

FAQ