Savor the Flavors of Italy with These Stuffed Pasta Shells
A Hearty, Cheesy Delight
Imagine a dish that combines the comfort of pasta, the richness of Italian sausage, and the creaminess of three types of cheese. Look no further! These large conchiglie pasta shells are generously filled with a flavorful Italian sausage and cheese mixture, served on a bed of rustic marinara sauce.
Preparation Made Easy
The best part? This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake. Simply cook the pasta shells, prepare the filling, and assemble the dish when you’re ready to serve.
The Perfect Blend of Flavors
The filling is a masterclass in Italian flavors, combining Italian sausage, onion, garlic, spinach, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of oregano. The result is a rich, satisfying flavor profile that will leave you wanting more.
A Step-by-Step Guide
To make this dish, start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions, then let them cool in a bowl of ice water. Next, heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and cook the chopped onions and garlic until softened. Add in the Italian sausage and cook until done, then stir in spinach until wilted.
Assembling the Dish
In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, oregano, eggs, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well, then stir in the cooled sausage mixture. Grease a 9”x13” baking pan and spread two-thirds of the marinara sauce on the bottom. Fill the pasta shells with the sausage ricotta mixture and place them in the baking pan. Top with mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese, then cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese begins to brown.
The Finishing Touches
Garnish with Parmesan cheese, torn basil leaves, and remaining marinara sauce for a dish that’s sure to impress. With its rich flavors and satisfying portion size, this dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Yield and Cooking Time
Yield: 8 servings
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Active Time: 50 minutes
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