Baked Shells With Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce and Italian Sausage Recipe

1. Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and preheat oven to 500°F (260°C).

2. Place whole peppers on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Transfer to oven to cook, turning every 10 minutes, until the skins are wrinkled and peppers are charred, about 35 minutes. Remove pan from oven and immediately gather up the foil to seal into a pouch around peppers. Let rest for 30 minutes. When peppers are cool enough to handle, cut in half and remove and discard stems and seeds. Removed charred peels and discard. Purée roasted peppers in a blender or food processor until smooth and reserve.

3. Reduce oven temperature to 450°F (230°C).

4. Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. When oil is shimmering, add Italian sausage and brown, breaking into small bits using a spoon. When sausage is nearly done cooking, add onions and garlic and reduce heat to medium. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until vegetables start to soften and get translucent, about 5 minutes.

5. Add tomatoes, heavy cream, half and half, and reserved pepper purée. Raise heat slightly and bring to a boil. Let simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Add ricotta, Fontina, Asiago, and cooked pasta. Toss to combine. Season to taste with salt.

6. Transfer pasta to a 9- by 13-inch baking pan or casserole dish with high sides. Dot with butter and place in oven to cook until brown and bubbly, about 25 minutes.

7. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving with additional shredded Asiago cheese.

Special Equipment

Blender