Description
Hearty Italian sausage stuffed shells bring comfort to dinner tables with rich ricotta and marinara magic. Cheesy pasta pockets promise a satisfying meal that delivers robust flavors and warm Mediterranean charm you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) chicken Italian sausage, casing removed
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups (340 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) dry jumbo shells (approximately 26–28 shells)
- 1 (32 ounces/907 grams) jar marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 cup (150 grams) yellow onion, diced
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
- Kosher salt to taste
- Fresh black pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C), creating an ideal environment for baking the Italian sausage stuffed shells.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then gently submerge the jumbo shells. Cook until they reach a slightly firm texture, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain carefully and rinse with cool water to halt the cooking process.
- In a skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Crumble the Italian sausage into the pan, browning the meat thoroughly while breaking it into small, uniform pieces. This step develops rich, deep flavors.
- Introduce diced onions, Italian seasoning, and red chili flakes to the sausage. Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic essence into the mixture.
- Pour marinara sauce into the sausage and onion mixture, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper, allowing the sauce to simmer and meld the flavors for 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
- Prepare the baking dish by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom, creating a protective base for the shells. Carefully stuff each shell with the sausage mixture, arranging them snugly in the pan.
- Generously distribute remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring complete coverage. Dollop ricotta cheese between the shells and sprinkle shredded mozzarella across the top, creating a luxurious cheese blanket.
- Transfer the prepared dish to the preheated oven, baking for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust and the edges become slightly crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant touch of color and a burst of fresh herbaceous flavor just before serving.
Notes
- Bring your culinary adventure to life with this mouthwatering Italian sausage stuffed shells recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece.
- Perfectly balanced flavors merge tender pasta shells with spicy sausage, creating a comfort food experience that feels like a warm hug from an Italian grandmother.
- Minimal kitchen skills required.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg