Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food: Sausage Stuffed Shells. This recipe features perfectly cooked jumbo pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of rich Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, all baked in a delicious marinara sauce. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special Sunday supper. If you’re looking for a hearty, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying dish, you’ve found it.
This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of seasoned sausage, three kinds of cheese, and your favorite pasta sauce creates layers of flavor that are simply irresistible. Plus, it’s easier to make than you might think! Let’s dive into how to create this amazing baked pasta meal.
Why This Sausage Stuffed Shells Recipe Works
This recipe is a keeper for so many reasons. First, the filling is packed with flavor. We use savory Italian sausage, which provides a fantastic base that pairs beautifully with the creamy ricotta and nutty Parmesan. Second, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with different cheeses or add some spinach to the filling. Finally, it’s a perfect make-ahead meal, saving you time on busy weeknights. For another great make-ahead option, try this French Onion Beef Casserole (coming soon).
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to gather to make this cheesy sausage pasta dream a reality. The magic is in the simple, high-quality ingredients.
- Jumbo Pasta Shells: The vessel for our delicious filling. Cook them just until al dente so they hold their shape.
- Italian Sausage: Use mild or hot, depending on your preference. Pork sausage offers the best flavor here.
- Ricotta Cheese: Whole milk ricotta provides the creamiest, most luxurious texture.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better than the pre-shredded kind.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that cuts through the richness.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite high-quality jarred sauce or a simple homemade version.
- Onion and Garlic: The aromatic foundation for our sausage filling.
- Egg: Acts as a binder for the ricotta filling, helping it stay together.
- Fresh Parsley: Brings a touch of freshness and color to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Sausage Stuffed Shells is a simple process. Just follow these steps for a perfect bake every time.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo shells and cook according to package directions until al dente. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the shells and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sausage Filling
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 3: Mix the Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage mixture, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, the egg, and fresh parsley. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. This is your delicious, cheesy filling!
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread about half of your marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Carefully spoon the sausage and cheese mixture into each cooked pasta shell. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in the baking dish. Top with the remaining marinara sauce and the rest of the shredded mozzarella. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Expert Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shells
Want to guarantee your Sausage Stuffed Shells are the best on the block? Here are a few expert tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Shells: Cook them 1-2 minutes less than the package directions. They’ll finish cooking in the oven and this prevents them from becoming mushy.
- Use Whole Milk Ricotta: For the creamiest, most delicious filling, whole milk ricotta cheese is a must.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own mozzarella makes a huge difference.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to make it your own!
- Add Veggies: Stir in a cup of chopped, sautéed spinach or mushrooms into the sausage and cheese filling for extra nutrients.
- Switch the Meat: Try using ground turkey, ground beef, or a plant-based crumble instead of Italian sausage.
- Make it Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a kick.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Sausage Stuffed Shells are a fantastic meal prep option. To make ahead, assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time. To freeze, assemble the dish in a freezer-safe pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
What to Serve with Sausage Stuffed Shells
This hearty pasta dish pairs perfectly with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette is a great choice to cut through the richness. For something more substantial, you can’t go wrong with warm, crusty bread like this homemade Amish White Bread or these amazing Garlic Cheese Bombs. They are perfect for sopping up any extra sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish up to 2 days in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, bake it straight from the fridge, adding about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Of course! While this recipe calls for ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, you could substitute provolone for some of the mozzarella for a sharper flavor, or even add a little asiago cheese to the filling for a nutty taste.
If you’re not a fan of ricotta, you can substitute it with cottage cheese (we recommend blending it first for a smoother texture) or a cream cheese-based mixture. However, whole milk ricotta provides the classic, creamy texture.
This dish is quite rich, so it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up the extra marinara sauce.
For the best results, assemble the dish in a freezer-safe pan, but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Enjoy This Cheesy Sausage Stuffed Shells Recipe!
This Sausage Stuffed Shells recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. It’s comforting, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below or share a picture of your creation on Pinterest. Your feedback helps other home cooks and inspires new recipes!
Sausage Stuffed Shells Recipe
Sausage Stuffed Shells (The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Drain any excess fat.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cooked sausage mixture, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, the beaten egg, and chopped parsley until well combined.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Fill each cooked shell with the sausage and cheese mixture and arrange them in the dish.
- Top the shells with the remaining marinara sauce and the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Tip 2: For an even richer flavor, add a cup of sautéed spinach to the cheese and sausage filling.
