Italian Stuffed Shells
Looking for a delicious and comforting dish to warm up this winter? These Italian Stuffed Shells are the perfect choice! These cheesy and flavorful shells are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 box jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook the Italian sausage until browned, then drain any excess fat.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cooked sausage, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the mixture and place them in a baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
– Calories: 350
– Fat: 15g
– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Protein: 20g
Popular questions:
- Q: Can I use a different type of meat instead of Italian sausage?
A: Yes, you can use ground beef, turkey, or chicken as a substitute for Italian sausage. - Q: Can I freeze these stuffed shells?
A: Yes, you can freeze the stuffed shells before baking them for a convenient make-ahead meal. - Q: Can I use fresh herbs instead of Italian seasoning?
A: Yes, feel free to use a combination of fresh basil, oregano, and thyme in place of Italian seasoning.
Helpful tips:
- Try adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the stuffing mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- Top the stuffed shells with extra Parmesan cheese before baking for a crispy, golden topping.
- Serve the stuffed shells with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Expert Secrets:
- Boil the pasta shells until they are just slightly undercooked to prevent them from becoming too soft during baking.
- Mix in some chopped fresh parsley or basil to the stuffing mixture for a burst of fresh herb flavor.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat ricotta cheese and part-skim mozzarella cheese in the stuffing mixture.