italian sausage stuffed shells recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
italian sausage stuffed shells recipe
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The Best italian sausage stuffed shells recipe

I have been making Italian Sausage Stuffed Shells for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to impress my family and friends. The dish is a classic Italian-American comfort food that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. The combination of juicy sausage, creamy ricotta cheese, and tangy marinara sauce is a match made in heaven.

I love how the shells are stuffed with a generous amount of filling, making each bite a satisfying experience. As a busy mom, I appreciate how this recipe can be easily scaled up or down depending on the number of people I’m serving. It’s also a great way to use up leftover pasta sauce and sausage.

My kids always devour the shells, and I’ve even been known to sneak one or two for myself when no one is looking. The best part? This recipe freezes beautifully, making it a perfect solution for meal prep or unexpected guests.

The key to making great stuffed shells is to not overfill them, as this can make them difficult to seal properly. I like to use high-quality ingredients, such as sweet Italian sausage and fresh parsley, to give the dish its authentic flavor. When cooking the shells, I recommend using a mixture of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

My family loves when I serve this dish at family gatherings or special occasions. It’s always a hit with my kids’ friends, who devour the shells in seconds. I’ve even been asked by friends to bring this recipe to potlucks and parties.

The best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile – you can serve it as an appetizer, main course, or even as a fun twist on traditional lasagna.

Italian Sausage Stuffed Shells

Italian Sausage Stuffed Shells

4.6 from 1145 votes

This hearty dish features jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a savory mixture of Italian sausage, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese, all baked in a rich tomato sauce. It’s a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for family dinners.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 550 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

12 jumbo pasta shells
12 oz Italian sausage
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground black pepper

For the Sauce

2 cups tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground black pepper

For Baking

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
3Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
4Drain and set aside.
5Be careful not to overcook the pasta.
6In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
7Break up the sausage into small pieces as it cooks.
8Drain excess fat and set aside.
9Use a spoon to remove any remaining fat.
10In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
11Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
12The mixture should be smooth and well combined.
13In a separate bowl, mix tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
14Stir well to combine.
15Heat over medium heat until the sauce is hot and bubbly, about 5-7 minutes.
16Use a spoon to stir the sauce occasionally.
17Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce mixture in the bottom of a baking dish.
18Spoon the sausage and cheese mixture into each cooked pasta shell, about 2 tablespoons per shell.
19Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish, seam side down.
20Pour the remaining sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well covered.
21Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the stuffed shells.
22Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
23Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly golden.
24Let the stuffed shells rest for 5 minutes before serving.
25This allows the cheese to set and makes it easier to serve.
26Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Oven
Spoon
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 550 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 14g❤️Cholesterol: 105mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 7g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Add spinach or mushrooms to the sausage mixture for extra vegetables.

Watch Video Of How Italian Sausage Stuffed Shells Works

This Italian Sausage Stuffed Shells recipe is always a good idea for any occasion. It is a hearty, comforting dish that is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy dinner at home. It is also freezer friendly, so you can make a large batch and freeze individual portions for later. You can also customize the recipe to suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs.

Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. This is my go to dish for any special occasion and is always a big hit with everyone. It is a great dish to make when you want to impress your family and friends with a delicious, home-cooked meal. You can make it ahead of time and reheat it in the oven or microwave, and it will still taste great.

This dish is a crowd pleaser and is sure to become a family favorite. It is a great way to enjoy the flavors of Italy in a comforting, home-cooked meal. It is a dish that my family looks forward to, and I am always happy to make it. This dish is a great way to get a balanced meal on the table quickly and easily.

Make sure to serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. This dish is a great way to enjoy the flavors of Italy in a comforting, home-cooked meal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Sausage Stuffed Shells

1. What type of sausage should I use for this recipe?

The best type of sausage to use is sweet Italian sausage, which has a mild flavor and holds its shape well during cooking.

2. Can I substitute ricotta cheese with another type of cheese?

No, ricotta cheese is essential to this recipe as it provides a light and creamy texture that complements the flavors of the sausage and marinara sauce.

3. How do I prevent the shells from becoming too mushy?

To prevent the shells from becoming too mushy, cook them al dente before stuffing them with the filling mixture.

4. Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can make this recipe in advance by assembling the stuffed shells up to 24 hours before baking them.

5. What if I don’t have any leftover pasta sauce?

No problem! You can easily make your own pasta sauce using canned tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs like basil or oregano.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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