Pizza Stuffed Shells are the perfect combination of two favorite comfort foods—pizza and pasta! This dish features large pasta shells filled with a cheesy, pizza-inspired mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Italian sausage, all baked in a rich marinara sauce. Topped with more cheese and your favorite pizza toppings, these stuffed shells are a fun and delicious meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With all the flavors of pizza in a satisfying pasta form, Pizza Stuffed Shells are sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
- 20 large pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage (or pepperoni slices, diced)
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, cooked sausage, oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the shells: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Stuff each shell with the cheese and sausage mixture and place them in the dish, open side up.
- Top and bake: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and add any optional toppings like sliced black olives. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.
These Pizza Stuffed Shells are a crowd-pleasing, cheesy dish that combines all the best elements of pizza and pasta into one easy, delicious meal!
