Sausage Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe
Overview
Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Sausage Stuffed Pasta Shells, a savory dish perfect for any pasta lover. This recipe combines jumbo pasta shells generously filled with a savory mixture of mild Italian sausage, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs, all baked to perfection in a rich tomato sauce. It’s a comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy.
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: 648.6 kcal
- Rating: 5 stars (from 4 reviews)
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 egg
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups spaghetti sauce
- Additional grated cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions
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Prepare Pasta Shells:
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare Sausage Mixture:
- In a large skillet, brown the mild Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess grease.
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Combine Ingredients:
- In the same skillet with the cooked sausage, add salt, pepper, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. Mix well to combine into a stuffing mixture. Set aside.
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Assemble the Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13×9 inch baking dish.
- Spread 1 cup of spaghetti sauce evenly over the bottom of the baking dish.
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Fill the Pasta Shells:
- Spoon the sausage mixture generously into each cooked pasta shell, filling them until they are packed.
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Arrange in Baking Dish:
- Place the stuffed pasta shells into the baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.
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Add Remaining Sauce:
- Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, covering them completely.
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Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
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Final Touch:
- After 15 minutes, remove the foil from the baking dish. Sprinkle additional grated cheese over the top, if desired.
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Finish Baking:
- Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the dish is heated through.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of sausage and cheese-filled pasta shells!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 648.6 kcal
- Fat: 40.1g
- Saturated Fat: 14.6g
- Cholesterol: 124.7mg
- Sodium: 2446.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 36.7g
- Fiber: 4.2g
- Sugar: 12.6g
- Protein: 33.3g
Tips for Success
- Ensure the pasta shells are cooked al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft during baking.
- Use good-quality Parmesan cheese for a rich and authentic flavor.
- Customize the dish by adding chopped herbs like basil or oregano to the sausage mixture for added freshness.
Conclusion
This Sausage Stuffed Pasta Shells recipe from Love with Recipes is a wonderful choice for a hearty and satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special gathering, this dish will impress with its robust flavors and comforting textures. Enjoy the combination of tender pasta shells, savory sausage filling, and gooey melted cheese—all baked together in a savory tomato sauce. It’s a recipe that promises to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.