Stuffed Shells with Italian Sausage – Indulge in the mouthwatering goodness of our Stuffed Shells with Italian Sausage recipe. This dish combines tender jumbo pasta shells generously filled with a delightful blend of creamy ricotta, flavorful Italian sausage, and fresh spinach, all baked to perfection in a rich and savory spaghetti sauce. With its irresistible cheesiness and comforting flavors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite among your loved ones. Get ready to satisfy your cravings with this hearty and delicious Italian-inspired dish.
Picture this: it’s a cozy evening in our little family kitchen, and the aroma of Italian spices fills the air. This recipe for Stuffed Shells with Italian Sausage has become a cherished tradition in our household. It all started when my husband, a lover of hearty Italian flavors, stumbled upon this recipe and decided to surprise me with a special dinner. From the first bite, we were hooked. The combination of tender pasta, flavorful sausage, and creamy cheese was simply irresistible. Since then, it has become our go-to dish for family gatherings and intimate dinners alike. Each time we prepare this recipe, we create new memories together, savoring the flavors and sharing laughter around the table. It brings us closer as a family, reminding us of the importance of cherishing these precious moments of togetherness.
Why This Stuffed Shells Recipe Will Steal Your Heart?
- A Perfect Combination: This recipe brings together the perfect harmony of jumbo pasta shells, rich Italian sausage, and creamy ricotta cheese, resulting in a truly satisfying and flavorful dish.
- Cheesy Goodness: Indulge in layers of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese that create a luscious and cheesy crust, making every bite an explosion of comfort and delight.
- Healthy Twist: With the addition of fresh spinach, this recipe adds a nutritious twist to the classic stuffed shells, making it a wholesome and well-rounded meal option.
- Versatile and Freezable: Make a large batch of stuffed shells and freeze the extra for future meals or smaller gatherings. It’s a convenient option that guarantees you always have a delicious homemade dish ready to enjoy.
- Family Favorite: This recipe has won the hearts of countless families, bringing joy and satisfaction to the dinner table. Its comforting flavors and heartwarming appeal make it a staple in households across the globe.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (16 oz.) jumbo pasta shells
- 4 cups (32 oz.) ricotta cheese
- 12 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 eggs
- 4 teaspoons garlic powder*
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 large jar (45 oz.) spaghetti sauce
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped and stems removed
- 1 lb. ground Italian sausage, or casings removed
- Parsley, for garnish (dried or fresh)
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it up into crumbles. Once cooked, drain any excess fat and set aside.
Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Cook them until they are pliable for filling, but still slightly firm. Drain the shells and set them aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 8 oz of shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic powder, dried oregano, and pepper. Stir in the chopped spinach until well incorporated.
Coat the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with half of the jar of spaghetti sauce.
Spoon the cheese and spinach mixture into the cooked pasta shells, filling them generously. Arrange the stuffed shells, open side up, closely together in the baking dish. If there are extra shells, you can use a smaller pan or freeze them for later use.
Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle the cooked Italian sausage evenly over the top, followed by the remaining 4 oz of shredded mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure to tent it to prevent the foil from sticking to the cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-40 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
For a cheesy crust, broil the dish uncovered for an additional 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with parsley and serve these scrumptious Stuffed Shells with Italian Sausage to your eagerly awaiting loved ones.
Notes:
- Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic powder according to your taste preferences.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy.
- These Stuffed Shells with Italian Sausage can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Simply increase the baking time slightly to ensure they are heated through.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.
In conclusion, these Stuffed Shells with Italian Sausage are a true delight for both the taste buds and the soul. With each bite, you’ll experience the comforting embrace of tender pasta shells, the creamy richness of the cheese and spinach filling, and the satisfying burst of flavor from the Italian sausage. This recipe has captured the hearts of families around the world, becoming a cherished favorite that brings loved ones together.
Whether it’s a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner, these stuffed shells are guaranteed to impress. The layers of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese create a cheesy crust that adds an extra level of indulgence. The combination of fresh spinach and Italian spices brings a vibrant and healthy twist to this classic dish.
The versatility of this recipe allows you to adapt it to your preferences. Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta or customize the filling with your favorite ingredients. The convenience of freezing leftovers ensures that you always have a comforting homemade meal ready whenever you need it.
So why wait? Gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave lasting memories. Share in the joy of preparing and savoring these Stuffed Shells with Italian Sausage, and let the flavors transport you to the warmth and love of an Italian family gathering.
Indulge in the deliciousness, create your own traditions, and experience the sheer pleasure of this heartwarming dish. Bon appétit!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of pasta, such as manicotti or large conchiglie. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great alternative if you prefer a lighter option. It will still add a delicious flavor to the dish.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for future meals. Simply place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bags. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until heated through.
Can I substitute the spinach with another vegetable?
Certainly! If spinach is not your favorite, you can try substituting it with kale, Swiss chard, or even finely diced bell peppers. Get creative and customize the recipe to suit your taste.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the Italian sausage. You can add more vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant to enhance the flavor and texture.
Stuffed Shells with Italian Sausage
Ingredients
- 1 package 16 oz. jumbo pasta shells
- 4 cups 32 oz. ricotta cheese
- 12 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 eggs
- 4 teaspoons garlic powder*
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 large jar 45 oz. spaghetti sauce
- 4 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped and stems removed
- 1 lb. ground Italian sausage or casings removed
- Parsley for garnish (dried or fresh)
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it up into crumbles. Once cooked, drain any excess fat and set aside.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Cook them until they are pliable for filling, but still slightly firm. Drain the shells and set them aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 8 oz of shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic powder, dried oregano, and pepper. Stir in the chopped spinach until well incorporated.
- Coat the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish with half of the jar of spaghetti sauce.
- Spoon the cheese and spinach mixture into the cooked pasta shells, filling them generously. Arrange the stuffed shells, open side up, closely together in the baking dish. If there are extra shells, you can use a smaller pan or freeze them for later use.
- Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle the cooked Italian sausage evenly over the top, followed by the remaining 4 oz of shredded mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure to tent it to prevent the foil from sticking to the cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-40 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- For a cheesy crust, broil the dish uncovered for an additional 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with parsley and serve these scrumptious Stuffed Shells with Italian Sausage to your eagerly awaiting loved ones.
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