Sausage and Spinach Stuffed Shells
Calling all pasta lovers! This Sausage and Spinach Stuffed Shells recipe is a crowd-pleaser with its savory flavors and creamy cheese filling. Perfect for a cozy night in or a family dinner gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large pasta shells
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 jar marinara sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook Italian sausage until browned. Add chopped spinach and garlic powder, cooking until spinach wilts.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper.
- Mix in sausage and spinach mixture.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the cheese and sausage mixture.
- Pour marinara sauce into a baking dish, then place stuffed shells on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Popular questions:
- Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?
- Can I use fresh spinach instead of chopped spinach?
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Can I freeze leftovers?
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef or even ground turkey for the Italian sausage if preferred. Just adjust seasonings accordingly to maintain the flavor profile.
Yes, you can use fresh spinach in this recipe. Just ensure to chop it finely before adding it to the sausage mixture.
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add extra cooking time if baking from cold.
Yes, you can freeze any leftover stuffed shells. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bags for up to 1-2 months.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like fontina, cheddar, or provolone to customize the flavor of the dish to your liking.
Helpful tips:
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Top with fresh basil leaves before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch.
Expert Secrets:
- Make sure to season the ricotta cheese mixture well to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Using fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the taste of the stuffed shells.
- For a lighter version, use turkey sausage or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage.
- Bake the stuffed shells covered with foil to prevent them from drying out.