stuffed shells with sausage recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
stuffed shells with sausage recipe
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best stuffed shells with sausage recipe

I’m so excited to share this recipe for stuffed shells with sausage, it’s a family favorite and a staple in our household. The combination of tender pasta shells, flavorful Italian sausage, and rich ricotta cheese is a match made in heaven.

My kids love helping me prepare this dish, they get to stuff the shells with the cheesy goodness and watch as they transform into a golden-brown masterpiece. It’s a great recipe for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering.

I’ve even served it at potlucks and family reunions, and it’s always a hit. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even on busy nights when we’re short on time.

The best part? It’s also relatively healthy compared to other pasta dishes, thanks to the lean Italian sausage and low-fat ricotta cheese.

My husband loves the leftovers for lunch the next day, reheated with some steamed broccoli on the side. We’ve even started using this recipe as a base for other creative variations, like adding spinach or mushrooms to the filling.

It’s truly a versatile recipe that never fails to impress.

Stuffed Shells with Sausage

Stuffed Shells with Sausage

4.6 from 671 votes

A hearty dish featuring jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a savory sausage and cheese mixture, baked in a rich tomato sauce. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Shells

12 jumbo pasta shells
1 lb Italian sausage
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce

1 cup tomato sauce
2 cloves garlic
1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2Add jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Drain and set aside.
4In a large skillet, cook Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
5Drain excess fat and set aside to cool.
6In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Mix well.
7Add the cooked sausage and combine.
8In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
9Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
10Add tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
11Simmer for 5 minutes.
12Preheat oven to 375°F.
13Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
14Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the sausage and cheese mixture, placing them in the baking dish.
15Pour the remaining sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
16Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the shells are slightly golden.
17Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
18Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Oven
Saucepan

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

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

Watch Video Of How Stuffed Shells with Sausage Works

This stuffed shells with sausage recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering or just a weeknight dinner. The leftovers are just as delicious reheated for lunch or dinner the next day.

One of my favorite storage ideas is to freeze individual portions of stuffed shells and thaw as needed. This makes it easy to grab-and-go on busy days when we need something quick and satisfying.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Shells with Sausage

What type of pasta shells are best for stuffed shells?

I prefer to use jumbo pasta shells for this recipe, as they hold up well to the filling and are easy to stuff.

Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef for the Italian sausage if you prefer. However, keep in mind that ground beef will change the flavor profile of the dish.

How do I prevent the shells from breaking during cooking?

To prevent the shells from breaking during cooking, make sure to cook them al dente and don’t overfill them with the filling.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble the stuffed shells up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate them until baking.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover stuffed shells?

To reheat leftover stuffed shells, place them in a single layer in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Similar Posts