Cheesy Skillet Stuffed Pasta Recipe: Fun Family Meal
Bubbling with rich flavors and irresistible comfort, this skillet stuffed pasta delight recipe promises a mouthwatering journey through Italian-inspired cuisine.
Tender pasta shells nestle perfectly in a sizzling cast-iron pan, capturing layers of savory ingredients.
Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of melted cheeses, robust herbs, and succulent fillings that dance across your palate.
The recipe brings together simple ingredients with remarkable ease, creating a meal that feels both sophisticated and homey.
Cheese lovers will swoon over the golden, crispy edges and creamy interior of these delectable pasta pockets.
Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this one-pan wonder that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary feast.
Prepare to be the culinary hero at your dinner table.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Calories: 410 kcal
Servings: 5
Pasta Ingredients for the Skillet-Stuffed Version
For Pasta Base:
Jumbo Shells: Sturdy pasta vessels perfect for holding creamy fillings, choose fresh and unbroken shells for best presentation..
Salt: Enhances pasta flavor during boiling, use kosher or sea salt for better taste..
For Protein and Aromatics:
Italian Sausage, Ground Beef: Rich, savory protein that adds deep flavor complexity to the dish, select fresh ground meat with good fat content..
Onion: Provides sweet underlying base notes, choose firm yellow or white onions without soft spots..
Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that intensifies overall taste profile, select firm bulbs with tight, unblemished skin..
For Sauce and Seasoning:
Tomato Paste: Concentrated flavor booster that adds depth and richness, opt for high-quality brands in tubes or small cans..
Chicken Broth: Liquid base that creates silky sauce texture, low-sodium versions allow better seasoning control..
Italian Seasoning: Herbaceous blend that brings Mediterranean warmth, look for fresh, fragrant mixes..
Chili Powder: Adds subtle heat and complexity, choose pure chili powder without additional salt..
Sugar: Balances tomato acidity, use sparingly for gentle flavor rounding..
Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that elevate all other ingredients..
For Cheese and Filling:
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy, soft cheese that creates luxurious filling, select whole milk variety for richness..
Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds depth, choose freshly grated for best melting..
Oregano: Fresh herb that brings bright, earthy notes, select vib.
What You’ll Need for the Pasta Skillet Method
Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta shells to perfect al dente texture.
Nonstick skillet: Perfect for cooking sausage and creating the rich sauce.
Mixing bowl: Needed for combining ricotta cheese filling ingredients.
Colander: Used to drain and rinse pasta shells after boiling.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and breaking up sausage while cooking.
Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient portioning.
Cooking Pasta Stuffed in the Skillet Format
Skillet Stuffed Pasta Delight
Pasta Preparation Boil water with salt and cook pasta shells until slightly firm. Drain and cool them down.
Sausage Foundation Heat skillet and brown sausage, breaking into small pieces while cooking.
Flavor Building Add onions and garlic to sausage, creating a rich aromatic base that develops deep flavors.
Sauce Creation Introduce tomato paste and chicken broth to create a luscious sauce. Sprinkle in seasonings and let simmer until smooth and fragrant.
Cheese Filling Blend ricotta with parmesan and herbs to create a creamy mixture perfect for stuffing shells.
Final Assembly Nestle cheese-filled shells into the simmering sauce. Dust with extra parmesan and cover, allowing everything to meld together until cheese turns melty and sauce bubbles gently.
Changes to Try for Pasta Filling or Sauce
Pasta Shell Perfection: Expert Tips & Flavor Twists
Cheese Customization: Swap ricotta with creamy goat cheese or smooth cottage cheese for a tangy flavor profile that adds unexpected depth to your stuffed shells.
Spice Adventure: Kick up the heat by adding red pepper flakes to the sauce or incorporating diced jalapeños into the cheese mixture for those who love a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Swap: Replace sausage with crumbled plant-based meat alternatives or sautéed mushrooms to create a delicious meatless version that's equally satisfying and packed with robust flavors.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the stuffed shells and sauce separately, then refrigerate up to 24 hours before final cooking. This method allows flavors to meld and makes weeknight dinner prep a breeze, perfect for busy home cooks seeking convenient meal solutions.
Serving Suggestions for Stuffed Skillet Pasta
Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair this skillet stuffed pasta with a crisp arugula salad topped with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich, hearty sauce.
Bread Buddy Brilliance: Serve alongside garlic bread or crusty Italian ciabatta to soak up every delicious drop of the savory sauce, making each bite even more satisfying.
Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the robust sausage and herby flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which will enhance the dish's depth and warmth.
Family-Style Presentation: Bring the entire skillet directly to the table for a rustic, inviting meal that encourages sharing and creates a cozy, communal dining experience.
Preserving Skillet Pasta for the Next Day
Quick Meal Prep: Assemble the stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. This strategy saves time and allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual portions or the entire skillet in tight aluminum foil. Store frozen for 2-3 months, ensuring a convenient meal ready at a moment's notice. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Smart Refrigeration Technique: Store leftover shells in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
Portion Control Hack: Divide the prepared dish into single-serving containers. These make perfect grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners during busy weekdays, offering a delicious homemade meal without extensive preparation.
Classic Italian pasta Stuffed Shells Skillet Delight brings Mediterranean comfort to dinner tables. Melted cheese, rich marinara, and herb-infused pasta create a memorable meal you will savor with pure satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
12 jumbo pasta shells
1 lb (454 g) loose sweet Italian sausage
1 cup ricotta cheese
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsps grated parmesan cheese (for topping)
1 large egg white
1 small yellow onion, chopped finely
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
⅓ cup tomato paste
1 ½ cups chicken broth
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp fresh oregano, chopped
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 pinch chili powder
1 tsp granulated sugar
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Instructions
Pasta Preparation: Cook shells in salted water until slightly firm, drain, and rinse with cold water to prevent overcooking.
Sausage Foundation: Brown sausage in a skillet, methodically breaking it down while cooking, creating a rich, textured base.
Aromatic Vegetable Layer: Sauté onions until translucent, add garlic, and briefly cook to release its fragrant qualities.
Sauce Development: Incorporate tomato paste, deepening the color and flavor. Pour in chicken broth to create a smooth, cohesive sauce.
Seasoning Transformation: Blend Italian seasoning, chili powder, sugar, salt, and pepper into the sauce. Simmer to develop complex flavor nuances.
Cheese Filling Fusion: Combine ricotta, parmesan, oregano, egg white, salt, and pepper into a creamy, well-integrated mixture.
Shell Stuffing Technique: Generously fill each pasta shell with the prepared cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
Skillet Finishing: Nestle stuffed shells into the simmering sauce, top with additional parmesan, and cover to allow cheese to melt and flavors to meld.
Final Presentation: Remove from heat when filling is warm and cheese is completely melted, creating a harmonious culinary experience.
Notes
Pasta Perfection: Cook shells just shy of al dente to prevent mushiness during final skillet cooking.
Sausage Sizzle: Use high-quality ground sausage and thoroughly break down for even flavor distribution.
Cheese Blend Technique: Ensure ricotta mixture is smooth and well-combined to create creamy, consistent filling.
Skillet Simmering Secret: Cover and cook on low heat to allow flavors to meld and prevent sauce from burning or drying out.
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles
Oregon Culinary Institute
Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.
Jessica Martin
Recipe Developer & Food Writer
Expertise
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Oregon Culinary Institute
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.