Sausage Stuffed Shells: A Comforting Classic for Family Gatherings
Table of Contents
Sausage Stuffed Shells: A Comforting Classic for Family Gatherings
Welcome to our kitchen, where we’re whipping up a delicious and heartwarming dish – Sausage Stuffed Shells. This classic recipe is perfect for family gatherings, bringing everyone together around a table filled with comfort and flavor.
Imagine tender pasta shells filled with savory sausage, creamy cheese, and aromatic herbs, all baked to perfection. The combination of textures and flavors in these Sausage Stuffed Shells is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or a festive get-together with friends, these Sausage Stuffed Shells are guaranteed to be a hit. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Perfect balance of savory sausage and creamy cheese
• Easy to make and great for feeding a crowd
• Can be prepared ahead of time for convenience
• Versatile – you can customize the filling to suit your taste
• Kid-friendly and loved by adults alike
Ingredients
• 1 pound jumbo pasta shells
• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 15-ounce container ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, cook the sausage, breaking it into crumbles, until browned. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
4. In a bowl, combine the cooked sausage mixture with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper.
5. Stuff each pasta shell with the sausage and cheese mixture and place in the prepared baking dish.
6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
7. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Serving Suggestions
These Sausage Stuffed Shells pair perfectly with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette dressing. You can also serve them with garlic bread or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
For a more festive presentation, garnish the stuffed shells with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving.
Don’t forget to set out some extra Parmesan cheese at the table for those who love an extra cheesy kick!
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage to vary the flavor profile of these stuffed shells. Sweet Italian sausage, spicy sausage, or even chicken sausage can be used for a unique twist.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a medley of roasted vegetables for a delicious meat-free alternative.
To make this dish more indulgent, you can add a drizzle of truffle oil over the stuffed shells before baking for a luxurious touch.
Pro Tips for Success
• Make sure to slightly undercook the pasta shells as they will continue to cook in the oven.
• Use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to easily fill the pasta shells with the sausage mixture.
• For a crispy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese over the stuffed shells before baking.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
FAQ
Q: Can I freeze the Sausage Stuffed Shells before baking?
A: Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese in the filling?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match cheeses like fontina, provolone, or cheddar to create your own cheesy blend.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Q: Can I use regular-sized pasta shells instead of jumbo?
A: While jumbo shells are ideal for stuffing, you can certainly use regular-sized shells for a bite-sized version of this dish.
Conclusion
Sausage Stuffed Shells are a timeless classic that never fails to bring joy to the table. With a rich and comforting filling encased in tender pasta shells, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for all occasions. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a potluck with friends, these Sausage Stuffed Shells will surely be the star of the show. So, gather your loved ones, share a meal together, and savor the deliciousness of this comforting recipe!
Sausage Stuffed Shells: A Comforting Classic for Family Gatherings
Tender pasta shells filled with savory sausage, creamy cheese, and aromatic herbs, baked to perfection. A comfort food classic perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 15-ounce container ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish.
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook the sausage, breaking it into crumbles, until browned. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
- In a bowl, combine the cooked sausage mixture with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the sausage and cheese mixture and place in the prepared baking dish.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
