Italian Stuffed shells

Italian stuffed shells are a classic, comforting dish that brings together the rich flavors of ricotta cheese, savory Italian sausage, and tangy marinara sauce, all wrapped in jumbo pasta shells. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or looking for a dish to impress your guests, stuffed shells are the perfect recipe. This comprehensive guide will take you step-by-step through the ingredients, preparation, and cooking process to ensure you make the best Italian stuffed shells possible.

Ingredients for Italian Stuffed Shells

Below is a detailed list of all the ingredients you will need to make these mouth-watering stuffed shells:

Preparing the Filling for Italian Stuffed Shells

The filling is the heart of your Italian stuffed shells. It’s a delightful combination of cheeses, seasonings, and in this case, ground Italian sausage to add an extra layer of savory flavor.

1. Cooking the Sausage

Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it into small pieces as it cooks. Stir occasionally to ensure the sausage browns evenly. This process should take around 5-7 minutes. Once fully cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside to cool slightly.

2. Combining the Filling Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:

• The cooked Italian sausage (if using),
• 15 oz of ricotta cheese,
• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese (reserve the other cup for topping),
• 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese,
• 2 lightly beaten eggs,
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley,
• 1 tbsp of Italian seasoning,
• 1 tsp of garlic powder, and
• 1/2 tsp of black pepper.

Using a spatula or spoon, mix the ingredients thoroughly until they are well-combined. This rich, flavorful filling will be the star of your stuffed shells.

Cooking the Pasta for Stuffed Shells

The next essential step is preparing the jumbo pasta shells.

1. Boiling the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt to the water (this will enhance the flavor of the pasta). Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, gently add 20-24 jumbo pasta shells. Cook them for only about 3 minutes. You want the pasta to soften but not fully cook, as it will finish cooking in the oven later.

After 3 minutes, drain the pasta and immediately rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. This ensures the shells remain pliable for stuffing without becoming too soft.

Assembling the Italian Stuffed Shells

Now that both the filling and pasta are ready, it’s time to assemble the dish.

1. Preparing the Marinara Sauce

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large, oven-safe dish, pour 3/4 of a jar of marinara sauce. Spread the sauce evenly across the bottom of the dish. To enhance the sauce, mix in 1/4 tsp of red pepper flakes and 1/2 tsp of garlic powder.

2. Stuffing the Shells

Using a spoon or your hands, generously fill each jumbo shell with the cheese and sausage mixture. Ensure the filling is packed well into each shell so that it doesn’t spill out during baking.

Place each filled shell into the dish, open side up, so the filling is exposed. Continue until all the shells are filled and arranged neatly in the dish.

3. Topping the Shells

Pour the remaining 1/4 jar of marinara sauce over the tops of the stuffed shells. Make sure each shell has a drizzle of sauce on it for extra flavor. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire dish.

Baking and Serving

Once the stuffed shells are assembled and topped with sauce and cheese, it’s time to bake them to perfection.

1. Baking the Dish

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cheese on top should be melted and bubbly, with a golden-brown color. The sauce will be simmering around the edges of the dish, which means everything is thoroughly cooked.

2. Serving the Italian Stuffed Shells

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with additional chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the stuffed shells with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad to complete the meal.