Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast! This Cheesy Shells and Italian Sausage recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines the rich, hearty flavors of Italian sausage with creamy, melted cheese and perfectly cooked pasta shells. Whether you're looking to impress your family or create a show-stopping dish for your next gathering, this recipe promises to deliver explosive flavor in every single bite. Get ready to become the kitchen hero you've always dreamed of being!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound large pasta shells
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your dish cooks evenly and is hot when served.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the large pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the pasta shells are cooked, drain them in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow them to cool slightly.
- In the skillet with the cooked sausage, pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Let it simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Spread a thin layer of the sausage and marinara mixture on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the ricotta and mozzarella mixture, then place them in the baking dish, open side up. Continue until all shells are filled and arranged in the dish.
- Once all the shells are filled, pour the remaining sausage and marinara mixture over the top of the shells, ensuring they are well covered.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the dish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This will help the cheese melt and the flavors to combine.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to serve and enjoy!
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Shells and Italian Sausage!
Tips
- Choose high-quality Italian sausage for maximum flavor - the better the sausage, the more delicious your dish will be!
- Don't overcook the pasta shells - aim for al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy when baked.
- For extra richness, try using a blend of different cheeses like fontina or provolone alongside the mozzarella and ricotta.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the sausage to prevent a greasy final dish.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make serving easier.
- For a crispy top, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated - just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 110mg
