Description
Delicious stuffed pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of Italian sausage, cheeses, and herbs, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 large pasta shells
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the shells are cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Remove the casing from the Italian sausage, add it to the skillet, and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
- Add fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Sodium: 900 milligrams
- Fat: 30 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 60 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 25 grams
- Cholesterol: 90 milligrams