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CHEESY ITALIAN SAUSAGE & SHELLS serves 8

Full of flavor, quick and easy to make, hearty and has become a family favorite.

2 ounces avocado oil
1 medium head broccoli, cut into small florets
2 links Italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled
1/2 cup FINELY chopped onion
3 garlic cloves, FINELY minced
1½ cups homemade chicken broth
1½ cups marinara sauce
8 ounces medium shell pasta (3 cups), prepared al dente – or pasta of choice
¼ cup FRESH basil leaves, chopped
1 cup seasoned croutons, optional
4 ounces (½ cup) FRESH Parmesan cheese, grated (reserving a sprinkling for serving)
4 ounces COLD cream cheese, cut into small cubes

• Place the sausage LARGE skillet and cook sausage over medium heat for 4–6 minutes, breaking the sausage into small crumbles.
• Add onions and saute another minute.
• Add garlic and saute another 30–60 seconds until the garlic is fragrant.
• Stir the broth, marinara and broccoli into the pan.
• Increase the heat to high, cover and bring to a SLOW boil.
• Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally another 2-3 minutes.
• Remove the pan from the heat.
• Stir in the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese and basil until blended.
• Stir in prepared pasta and blend to coat well.
• Sprinkle the crouton mixture evenly and reserved Parmesan cheese over the pasta.