There’s something deeply comforting and heartwarming about diving into a dish of Italian Sausage Stuffed Shells. It’s the kind of meal that brings a sense of warmth and family to the dining table, transforming an ordinary evening into a special occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary novice, this recipe offers a delightful foray into Italian cooking, bringing a taste of rustic Italy right into your kitchen. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together, creating a dish that promises not only to satisfy hunger but also to inspire joy and togetherness.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. dry jumbo shells (approximately 26-28 shells)
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 lb. chicken Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp. red chili flakes
- 1 (32 oz.) jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Kosher salt and fresh black pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preparation Time: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C). This ensures a perfectly preheated oven ready for your stuffed shells.
- Cooking the Shells: In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the jumbo shells until just before al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain and rinse the shells, then set them aside for later. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your final dish.
- Making the Filling: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken Italian sausage until it’s nicely browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Add in the diced onion, Italian seasoning, and red chili flakes, cooking until the onion becomes soft and translucent, around 3-4 minutes. This mixture will form the flavorful base of your stuffing.
- Combining with Marinara Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce to the sausage mixture, seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Allow the sauce to cool slightly before proceeding to the next step.
- Assembling the Dish: Spread 1 cup of the sauce evenly at the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan. Carefully stuff each shell with the meat sauce mixture and place them in the pan. Once all the shells are neatly arranged, pour the remaining sauce over them, ensuring each shell is lovingly coated. Sprinkle the ricotta and shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top.
- Baking to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden. This is where the magic happens, transforming your assembled ingredients into a cohesive, comforting dish.
- Garnishing and Serving: Just before serving, garnish the baked stuffed shells with freshly chopped parsley. This not only adds a splash of color but also introduces a fresh flavor contrast to the rich and hearty dish.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 485 per serving
Dive into the rustic charm of Italian cuisine with these savory Italian Sausage Stuffed Shells. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a special occasion, this dish is sure to bring smiles and satisfaction to your table. The blend of spicy sausage, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, all nestled in tender pasta shells and smothered in a rich tomato sauce, creates a symphony of flavors that epitomizes the essence of comfort food. Bon Appétit!
Italian Sausage Stuffed Shells
Ingredients:
8 oz. dry jumbo shells (approximately 26-28 shells)
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 lb. chicken Italian sausage, casing removed
1 cup yellow onion, diced
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp. red chili flakes
1 (32 oz.) jar marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Kosher salt and fresh black pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Cook shells in boiling salted water until just before al dente, 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse, then set aside.
In a pan, heat olive oil over medium. Cook sausage until browned, 5-7 minutes. Add onion, seasoning, and chili flakes. Cook until onion is soft, 3-4 minutes.
Stir in marinara sauce; season with salt and pepper. Simmer 10-12 minutes. Cool slightly.
Spread 1 cup sauce in a 9×13 pan. Stuff each shell with meat sauce; place in pan. Add remaining sauce and cheeses.
Bake for 20-25 minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 6 | Kcal: 485