How to Make Italian Sausage Stuffed Shells - A Step-by-Step Guide

One of the most comforting and satisfying meals you can enjoy is a plate of Italian Sausage Stuffed Shells. This dish is a delicious combination of tender pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of Italian sausage, ricotta cheese, and fresh herbs, all baked in a rich marinara sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more.

Italian cuisine is known for its soul-warming and flavorful dishe...

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Ingredients

  • 1 (16 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells
  • 3 teaspoons vegetable oil, divided
  • 1 pound bulk Italian sausage
  • 1 (16 ounce) package finely shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, plus more for garnish if desired
  • 1 (24 ounce) jar prepared marinara sauce

Information

  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 8 servings

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly oil a 9x13 baking dish.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook shells in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to the bite, about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain. Lightly oil a rimmed baking sheet; place drained pasta on baking sheet to cool.
  • Heat 2 teaspoons vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a heavy skillet. Cook and crumble sausage until it has lost its pink color and begins to brown. Remove from heat; drain off grease. Stir 1/2 of the shredded cheese and Italian seasoning into browned sausage.
  • Spoon sausage mixture into pasta shells (1 to 2 tablespoons per shell). Arrange stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish.
  • Pour marinara sauce evenly over the shells. Top with remaining shredded cheese. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until heated through and bubbly, about 30 minutes. Remove foil; bake until browned, 5 to 10 more minutes. Sprinkle with a pinch of Italian seasoning, if desired.
  • Nutrition

    578 cal.

    • Total Fat: 25g
    • Saturated Fat: 11g
    • Cholesterol: 60mg
    • Sodium: 1171mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 57g
    • Dietary Fiber: 4g
    • Total Sugars: 10g
    • Protein: 30g
    • Vitamin C: 2mg
    • Calcium: 485mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 562mg