Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here from Chef Maniac! There’s something truly special about a dish that feels both comforting and incredibly satisfying, without being overly complicated. That’s exactly what you get with Little Shells with Greens & Sausage. This isn’t just a pasta dish; it’s a hug in a bowl, packed with savory sausage, tender greens, and perfectly cooked pasta, all swimming in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out and is a go-to in my kitchen for a fuss-free, delicious dinner.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between hearty and healthy. It’s an incredibly flavorful one-pot (or almost one-pot) meal that comes together surprisingly fast, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The combination of spicy or mild sausage with slightly bitter greens creates a fantastic depth of flavor, while the pasta shells catch all that delicious broth. It’s a complete meal in one bowl, minimizing cleanup and maximizing enjoyment. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some healthy greens!

List of Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this comforting Little Shells with Greens & Sausage to your table:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 bunch (about 1 pound) collard greens, kale, or Swiss chard, stems removed and chopped
• 12 ounces small pasta shells (conchigliette) or ditalini
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Swaps and Notes

• Sausage: Feel free to use mild Italian sausage if you prefer less heat, or hot Italian sausage for a kick. Ground turkey or chicken sausage can also be excellent, healthier alternatives. For a vegetarian version, use a plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.
• Greens: Collard greens are traditional, but kale or Swiss chard work wonderfully too. Ensure you remove the tough stems and chop the leaves well. Spinach can also be used, but add it closer to the end of cooking as it wilts much faster.
• Pasta: Small shells are perfect for catching the sauce, but ditalini, orecchiette, or even elbow macaroni would be good substitutes.
• Broth: Chicken broth provides excellent flavor, but vegetable broth can be used for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Spice: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking. Omit if you prefer no heat.
• Tomatoes: A can of crushed tomatoes could also be used for a thicker sauce base.

List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Brown the Sausage: In a large Dutch oven or a deep, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage (casings removed) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Liquids & Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (undrained). Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
4. Add Greens: Stir in the chopped collard greens (or kale/chard). They will look like a lot at first, but they will wilt down significantly. Bring the mixture back to a simmer.
5. Cook Pasta: Add the small pasta shells to the simmering liquid. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or according to package directions, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Finish & Serve: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Serve hot, with extra Parmesan cheese for sprinkling.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta. You want it al dente (firm to the bite) so it doesn’t get mushy in the sauce.
• Stir Often: Especially after adding the pasta, stir occasionally to prevent the shells from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Season as You Go: Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process, especially after adding the broth and at the very end. The saltiness of the sausage and broth can vary.
• Washing Greens: Thoroughly wash your greens to remove any grit or dirt before chopping.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This dish is a hearty and complete meal on its own, but here are some ideas to complement it:

• Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or Italian bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
• Side Salad: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette would provide a fresh contrast.
• Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine like a Sangiovese or a lighter-bodied Zinfandel would pair well with the savory sausage and robust greens.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftovers of Little Shells with Greens & Sausage are delicious and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta will absorb more liquid over time, so when reheating, you might need to add a splash of extra chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed the comfort and robust flavors of this pasta and greens dish, you’ll definitely want to explore some of my other hearty and easy-to-make recipes:

• For another classic pasta dish that’s always a hit, check out my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
• If you’re a fan of Southern-inspired flavors and quick dinners, my Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage is a must-try.
• For another fantastic one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is incredibly convenient and delicious.
• And if you’re looking for ultimate comfort food made fast, don’t miss my Instant Pot Lasagna.
• Finally, for a true taste of the South, dive into a bowl of my incredibly comforting Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo.

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Final Thoughts

Little Shells with Greens & Sausage is a testament to the fact that incredibly satisfying and flavorful meals don’t have to be complicated. It’s a hearty, wholesome dish that brings comfort and a touch of Southern flair to your dinner table. Give it a try, and let this simple yet robust pasta dish become a new favorite in your home!

What are your go-to comfort food pasta dishes? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below! And for more delicious, easy recipes, be sure to follow Chef Maniac.