italian essentials: sausage stuffed pasta shells

How To Make italian essentials: sausage stuffed pasta shells

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  Step 1
  PREP/PREPARE
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  Step 2
  Gather your Ingredients (mise en place).
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  Step 3
  Place the Italian sausage in a sauté pan over medium heat.
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  Step 4
  Use a wooden spoon to break up the sausage, and cook until the pink is gone.
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  Step 5
  Chef’s Note: If your Italian sausage has an abundance of grease, drain the excess grease before proceeding.
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  Step 6
  Add the diced onion, and continue to cook until the onion softens, about 6 – 8 minutes.
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  Step 7
  Add the garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 60 seconds.
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  Step 8
  Reduce the heat to low, add the tomato paste.
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  Step 9
  Stir to combine.
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  Step 10
  Remove the mixture from the heat, stir in the parmesan cheese, and reserve in a separate bowl.
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  Step 11
  Place a rack in the middle position, and preheat the oven to 350f (175c).
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  Step 12
  Cook the pasta shells in boiling, salted water, according to package directions, until al dente.
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  Step 13
  Wipe out the pan, and add the butter over medium heat.
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  Step 14
  Add the breadcrumbs and cook until golden brown.
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  Step 15
  Remove from the pan from the heat and reserve.
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  Step 16
  Add the pasta sauce to an ovenproof baking dish.
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  Step 17
  Carefully stuff the shells with the sausage/onion mixture.
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  Step 18
  Place them into the dish with the tomato sauce.
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  Step 19
  Add the shredded mozzarella, and then sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top.
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  Step 20
  Place in the preheated oven, and bake until the cheese is bubbly, about 25 – 30 minutes.
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  Step 21
  PLATE/PRESENT
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  Step 22
  Finish by sprinkling a bit of freshly grated Parmesan over the top, and serve while still nice and warm. Enjoy.
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  Step 23
  Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
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