Spinach & Sausage Stuffed Pasta Shells
Description:
Here’s a fantastic recipe that stretches your meat supply, perfect for both a quick weeknight meal and entertaining guests! Discover the delightful combination of flavors packed into these spinach and sausage stuffed pasta shells. This recipe, sourced from the wonderful cookbook “Dinner on the Double” by Better Homes and Gardens, promises a satisfying dish that’s sure to become a household favorite.
Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) from 34 Reviews
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 449.6
- Fat: 31.4g
- Saturated Fat: 16.2g
- Cholesterol: 184.3mg
- Sodium: 564.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1.9g
- Sugar: 4.2g
- Protein: 32.1g
Recipe Details:
- Category: Pasta Shells 🍝
- Preparation Time: 0 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 10
- Keywords: European, Less than 30 Minutes, Oven 🕒🇪🇺🍽️
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pasta shells | 32 |
| Bulk pork sausage | 1 |
| Frozen spinach | 10 |
| Eggs | 4 |
| Ricotta cheese | 2 cups |
| Mozzarella cheese | 2 cups |
| Cheddar cheese | 2 cups |
Recipe Instructions:
- Cook Pasta Shells:
- Begin by cooking the pasta shells according to the package instructions.
- Prepare Filling:
- Drain the cooked pasta shells and rinse them with cold water, then drain again to remove excess moisture.
- In a large bowl, combine the bulk pork sausage, frozen spinach, eggs, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and cheddar cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Stuff Pasta Shells:
- Fill each pasta shell with approximately 3 tablespoons of the prepared filling mixture. Ensure the shells are evenly filled for consistent flavor.
- Top with Sauce:
- Place the stuffed pasta shells in a baking dish, arranging them snugly to prevent them from tipping over.
- Generously top the shells with your favorite spaghetti sauce, covering them entirely for a flavorful finish.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake the stuffed pasta shells until heated through, approximately 30 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the filling should be thoroughly heated.
- Optional Freezing Instructions:
- If you wish to freeze the stuffed pasta shells for later use, do so before baking. You can either freeze the individual shells without sauce or freeze the sauce-topped shells directly in the baking dish.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked to perfection, remove the stuffed pasta shells from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or grated cheese, if desired, and serve hot alongside a crisp salad or garlic bread for a satisfying meal.
Notes:
- Feel free to customize the filling by incorporating additional ingredients such as minced garlic, diced onions, or your favorite herbs and spices for added flavor.
- These stuffed pasta shells can be a convenient make-ahead dish for busy weeknights or a delicious option for potluck gatherings and dinner parties.
- Experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences, such as provolone, fontina, or Parmesan.
- To make this recipe vegetarian-friendly, substitute the pork sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms.
