An easy weeknight meal featuring ground sweet Italian sausage, pasta shells, and peas, finished with lemon zest and Parmesan cheese. This dish comes together in one pot, making preparation and cleanup a breeze.
1: Add sausage, shallot, salt, pepper, and pepper flakes (if using) to a Dutch oven.
2: Cook over medium-high heat, breaking sausage into small pieces until lightly browned with dark brown bits.
3: Add ½ cup chicken broth, scraping down browned bits; cook until liquid evaporates, about 2 minutes.
4: Stir in uncooked pasta and remaining 3½ cups broth; bring to a boil.
5: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until pasta is tender, about 10 to 12 minutes.
6: Turn off heat, add peas, Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice; stir to combine.
7: Let sit covered for 5 minutes to allow peas to warm and sauce to thicken.
8: Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired, and serve.
