Are you ready to transform an ordinary dinner into a mouthwatering Italian feast? These Stuffed Pasta Shells with Sausage are not just a meal—they're a culinary adventure that promises to tantalize your senses and impress even the pickiest eaters. Imagine perfectly cooked jumbo shells, generously filled with savory Italian sausage and creamy cheeses, all nestled in a rich marinara sauce that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your stuffed pasta shells cook evenly and thoroughly.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- While the pasta shells are cooking, in a large skillet over medium heat, add the cooked and crumbled Italian sausage. Cook for about 5 minutes until heated through and slightly browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined.
- Once the pasta shells are cooked, drain them in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Let them cool for a few minutes.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. This will help prevent the pasta from sticking and add flavor.
- Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the ricotta and sausage mixture, using a spoon to fill them generously. Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish, open side up.
- Once all the shells are stuffed, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the shells, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- 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 meld.
- 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 sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the filling set a little, making it easier to serve.
- Garnish with fresh basil or additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious stuffed pasta shells with sausage!
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh Italian sausage and high-quality cheeses for the best flavor profile.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Be careful not to overcook the shells, as they'll continue cooking in the oven. Aim for a slight firmness.
- Drain and Cool Shells Properly: Rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Don't Overstuff: Fill shells generously but not so much that they burst or become difficult to handle.
- Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit for 5 minutes after baking to help the filling set and make serving easier.
- Optional Enhancements: Experiment with adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dish in advance and refrigerate before baking, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 75mg
