Sausage Stuffed Shells are a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a rich, savory mixture of Italian sausage, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese, then baked in a hearty marinara sauce. The result is a cheesy, meaty, and satisfying meal that pairs wonderfully with a simple salad or garlic bread. This dish can also be made ahead of time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Ingredients:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Break it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the sausage and cheese mixture and arrange them in the baking dish on top of the marinara sauce.
- Top the stuffed shells with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot. Enjoy!
