Stuffed Shells with Sausage – Easy Italian Dinner Recipe
Stuffed Shells With Sausage
Stuffed shells with sausage is a comforting, hearty Italian-inspired dish that combines tender pasta shells with a rich, savory filling of sausage, cheeses, and seasonings. Each shell is like a little package of flavor, delivering a perfect balance of creamy ricotta, savory Italian sausage, and subtle herbs in every bite. What makes this dish special is its ability to be both comforting and elegant, making it suitable for casual weeknight dinners or a more impressive weekend family meal.
The taste of these stuffed shells is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The tender pasta cradles the creamy filling while the sausage adds depth and richness. Topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, the dish is indulgent yet balanced, making it one of the most loved Shell Pasta Recipes. Home cooks adore stuffed shells with sausage because it transforms simple ingredients into a dish that tastes celebratory, yet is entirely achievable in a home kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This stuffed shells with sausage recipe stands out for its flavor, texture, and versatility. The sausage provides a robust, savory foundation, while ricotta and parmesan cheeses create a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth filling. Cooking the shells al dente ensures that each bite holds its shape and texture, while layering with marinara sauce and mozzarella creates a cohesive dish that’s both comforting and visually appealing.
It’s also incredibly adaptable. You can make Italian Sausage And Spinach Stuffed Shells for a vegetable-forward variation, or try Baked Turkey Sausage And Mascarpone Stuffed Shells for a lighter alternative. This recipe can be prepared ahead of time, assembled, and baked when ready, making it ideal for Shell Dinner Recipes or Shell Recipes for entertaining. Following this guide ensures that every shell is evenly filled and baked to perfection, resulting in a dish that is consistently delicious and crowd-pleasing.
Stuffed shells with sausage also offer a great way to practice foundational Italian cooking techniques, from properly cooking pasta to combining cheeses with sausage and herbs, which are essential skills for creating other Italian Sausage Recipes and Shell Recipes at home.
Preparation and Cooking Time, also serving
This makes it perfect for family dinners, entertaining, or prepping for multiple meals in advance.
Ingredients
Substitution notes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain carefully and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Cook the sausage
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before mixing with cheese.
Step 3: Prepare the filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mascarpone, parmesan, spinach, egg, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir in the cooled sausage, mixing until evenly distributed. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Stuff the shells
Gently fill each cooked pasta shell with the sausage and cheese mixture using a spoon or small scoop. Place the filled shells seam-side up in a greased baking dish.
Step 5: Assemble and top
Pour marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top to create a bubbly, golden crust during baking.
Step 6: Bake the dish
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve
Serve stuffed shells with sausage hot from the oven, arranging them neatly on a large serving platter or directly in the baking dish for a rustic, family-style presentation. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for color and freshness, and offer extra grated parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top to enhance the flavors. Pair the dish with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread to balance the richness of the cheese and sausage, creating a well-rounded and visually appealing meal.
For a more festive or dinner-party presentation, plate individual portions on wide, shallow pasta plates, ensuring each serving includes 2-3 stuffed shells with a generous helping of marinara sauce. You can sprinkle additional mozzarella or parmesan before serving for that freshly baked look. This dish also pairs well with light Italian wines or sparkling water for an elevated dining experience. Its versatility makes it suitable for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or special occasions where comfort meets elegance.
Additional Tips
Recipe Variations
Freezing and Storage
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving:
Values may vary depending on sausage type and cheese selection.
Final Words
Stuffed shells with sausage is a dish that demonstrates the magic of combining simple ingredients into an extraordinary, comforting meal. The tender pasta shells, rich sausage, and creamy cheese filling create a balance of flavors and textures that delight every bite. With careful preparation and proper baking, this dish feels indulgent yet approachable, making it perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.
The versatility of this recipe allows home cooks to adapt it to different tastes and dietary preferences. You can create Italian Sausage And Spinach Stuffed Shells, Baked Turkey Sausage And Mascarpone Stuffed Shells, or ultra-cheesy versions, ensuring there is a variation for everyone. It is both a crowd-pleaser and a learning opportunity to practice essential Italian cooking techniques like pasta handling and filling assembly.
Beyond flavor and technique, stuffed shells with sausage provides a comforting, satisfying meal that can be prepared ahead of time, stored, and reheated with excellent results. It is a recipe that will become a favorite in your home, versatile enough to rotate between casual weeknight meals and special family gatherings, and reliably delicious every time.
FAQ’s
Stuffed Shells with Sausage – Easy Italian Dinner Recipe
Course: Dinner Recipes6
servings20
minutes30
minutes480
kcalIngredients
Jumbo pasta shells 20-24 shells
Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed) 1 pound
Ricotta cheese 1 cup
Mascarpone or cream cheese ½ cup
Parmesan cheese ½ cup, grated
Mozzarella cheese 1 ½ cups, shredded
Spinach (fresh or thawed frozen, squeezed dry) 1 cup
Egg 1 large
Garlic 2 cloves, minced
Marinara sauce 2 cups
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Salt and black pepper To taste
Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain carefully and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before mixing with cheese.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mascarpone, parmesan, spinach, egg, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir in the cooled sausage, mixing until evenly distributed. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Gently fill each cooked pasta shell with the sausage and cheese mixture using a spoon or small scoop. Place the filled shells seam-side up in a greased baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top to create a bubbly, golden crust during baking.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or high-quality sausage for the best flavor.
- Don’t overfill the shells to prevent spilling during baking.
- Squeeze excess moisture from spinach to avoid a watery filling.
- Let the baked dish rest before serving to set the filling.
- Use a spoon to gently push filling into shells without tearing pasta.
