Best 7 Italian Sausage Stuffed Shells Recipes

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Cooking Italian sausage stuffed shells is a delightful culinary adventure that brings together the richness of sausage, the delicate flavors of cheese, and the comforting texture of pasta. This classic Italian dish is a symphony of tastes and textures that will tantalize your palate and leave you craving more. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this guide will provide you with the necessary steps and tips to create a mouthwatering and memorable meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Let's cook with our recipes!

SAUSAGE STUFFED SHELLS



Sausage Stuffed Shells image

Pasta shells stuffed with great tasting sausage and gobs of mozzarella cheese. This meal is a family pleaser!

Provided by Judith Hannemann

Categories     Comfort Foods     Everyday Meals     pasta     Pork

Time 1h15m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 lb sweet or hot bulk Italian sausage meat
6-8 oz about a cup diced (small dice) mozzarella
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley --OR- 2 tbs dry from the jar parsely
1 1/4 cup soft bread crumbs
2 tbsp grated Parmesan -OR- Romano cheese
1 clove garlic (finely minced)
2 eggs
8-12 jumbo shells (cooked al dente)
1 recipe Quick Chunky Tomato Sauce -OR- your favorite pasta sauce
Extra shredded mozzarella

Steps:

  • Mix well the sausage meat, mozzarella, parsley, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic and eggs in a medium bowl. Portion out the meat in desired amount.
  • Cook the same amount of shells as meat portions. Slightly undercook the shells because they will be baked too.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Place about 1/2 cup of the sauce in a baking dish large enough to hold the amount of shells you made--this would be anywhere from a 1 1/2-2 1/2 quart baking dish.
  • Put the shells in the pan and top with more sauce and desired amount of shredded mozzarella.
  • Cover baking dish with foil and bake 45-60 minutes, or until sausage is cooked through.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 serving, Calories 757 kcal, Carbohydrate 39 g, Protein 36 g, Fat 50 g, SaturatedFat 20 g, Cholesterol 204 mg, Sodium 1417 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 3 g

ITALIAN SAUSAGE STUFFED SHELLS



Italian Sausage Stuffed Shells image

Believe it or not, I'm not a fan of cheese and try to avoid it whenever possible. So dishes that are stuffed with things like ricotta turn me off. I created this dish as a compromise to my cheese avoidance and my husband's love of Italian food. Serve this with garlic bread and a salad for a wonderful family dinner.

Provided by RainbowJewels

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 6

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

Steps:

  • 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 half of the shredded cheese and the Italian seasoning into the browned sausage. Spoon mixture into the pasta shells (1 to 2 tablespoons per shell). Arrange stuffed shells in prepared baking dish. Pour marinara sauce evenly over the shells. Top with remaining shredded cheese. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
  • Bake in 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 Facts : Calories 578.2 calories, Carbohydrate 57.3 g, Cholesterol 60.3 mg, Fat 24.6 g, Fiber 4.1 g, Protein 30.2 g, SaturatedFat 10.5 g, Sodium 1171.4 mg, Sugar 9.9 g

SAUSAGE-SPINACH STUFFED SHELLS



Sausage-Spinach Stuffed Shells image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 2h10m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

Kosher salt
8 ounces (20 to 24) jumbo pasta shells
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling and brushing
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 pound hot Italian sausage, casings removed
1 10-ounce package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
Freshly ground pepper
1 15-ounce container ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
Kosher salt
Freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 cup jarred marinara sauce

Steps:

  • Make the stuffed shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook until just slightly softened but still firm, about 7 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Drizzle with olive oil and toss; set aside.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the spinach, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste and stir until heated through, about 2 more minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool completely.
  • Combine the spinach mixture, ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, the parmesan, parsley and 1 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Stuff each shell with about 2 tablespoons of the filling; set aside.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Make the cheese sauce: Melt the butter with the garlic in a medium saucepan over medium heat. When the butter begins to foam, add the flour and whisk constantly until lightly golden, about 1 minute. Add the milk and cream, bring to a simmer and cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce is thick enough to coat a spoon, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the parmesan, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and nutmeg to taste.
  • Brush a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with olive oil and pour in about two-thirds of the cheese sauce. Add the stuffed shells and top with the remaining cheese sauce. Cover with aluminum foil and bake 20 minutes. Uncover and top with the marinara sauce and the remaining 1 cup mozzarella; continue baking until the sauce is bubbly, 15 to 20 more minutes.

SAUSAGE-STUFFED SHELLS



Sausage-Stuffed Shells image

"I wanted to make manicotti one day but was out of the noodles," says Lori Daniels of Beverly, West Virginia. "So I came up with this recipe, using jumbo shells instead. They were much easier to work with."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 45m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/3 pound bulk Italian sausage
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/3 cup 4% cottage cheese
3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
2 tablespoons beaten egg
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh parsley
6 jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained
Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Set half of the sausage aside for filling. Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, brown sugar and Italian seasoning to sausage in pan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally., In a small bowl, combine the cottage cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, egg, parsley and reserved sausage. Stuff into shells. Spread 1/4 cup meat sauce in an ungreased 1-qt. shallow baking dish. Place stuffed shells in dish; drizzle with remaining meat sauce. , Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese if desired. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until filling reaches 160°.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 437 calories, Fat 14g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 67mg cholesterol, Sodium 1371mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (13g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 36g protein.

ITALIAN STUFFED SHELLS



Italian Stuffed Shells image

A dear friend first brought over this stuffed shells recipe. Now I take it to other friends' homes and to potlucks, because it's always a big hit! -Beverly Austin, Fulton, Missouri

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h25m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 pound ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
2 cups hot water
1 can (12 ounces) tomato paste
1 tablespoon beef bouillon granules
1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 cups 4% cottage cheese
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
24 jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, cook beef, onion and garlic over medium heat, crumbling beef, until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in water, tomato paste, bouillon and oregano. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes. , Meanwhile, combine egg, cottage cheese, 1 cup mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stuff shells with cheese mixture., Preheat oven to 350°. Arrange shells in a greased 13x9-in. or 3-qt. baking dish. Pour meat sauce over shells. Cover; bake 30 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes longer. Freeze option: After assembling, cover and freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake as directed, adding remaining 1 cup mozzarella after 30-40 minutes and increasing time as necessary for a thermometer inserted in center to read 165°.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 430 calories, Fat 17g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 94mg cholesterol, Sodium 866mg sodium, Carbohydrate 37g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 32g protein.

SHELLS WITH ITALIAN SAUSAGE AND RICOTTA STUFFING



Shells with Italian Sausage and Ricotta Stuffing image

Shells and cheese can be a great snack, but Johnsonville can transform it into a meal! This recipe combines all of your favorite Italian cheeses with the savory deliciousness of Johnsonville Italian Sausages. The result? An authentic Italian dish that will leave your stomach full and happy.

Provided by Food Network

Time 1h5m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 package (16 ounces) Johnsonville Mild or Sweet Ground Sausage
1 box (12.5 ounces) jumbo pasta shells
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 jars (24 ounces, each) marinara sauce
2 eggs, beaten
1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or 1 tablespoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Steps:

  • 1. In a skillet, cook sausage over medium heat, until pork is no longer pink; drain.
  • 2. In a Dutch oven, cook pasta shells according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water.
  • 3. Using a pastry brush, coat sides and bottom of a 3-quart baking dish with oil.
  • 4. Pour half of the marinara sauce into baking dish.
  • 5. In a large bowl, combine eggs, ricotta cheese, 2-½ cups of mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, basil, pepper and prepared sausage.
  • 6. Stuff shells with meat mixture; arrange in baking dish.
  • 7. Pour remaining marinara sauce over shells.
  • 8. Cover and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
  • 9. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  • 10. Bake 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.
  • 11. Sprinkle with parsley.
  • 12. Serve.

ITALIAN SAUSAGE STUFFED SHELLS #RAGU



Italian Sausage Stuffed Shells #Ragu image

Ragú® Recipe Contest Entry. A special place that my daughter and I enjoy spending our time together most is in the kitchen. A favorite dish she likes helping me prepare is stuffed shells, we love our Italian food!

Provided by KitchenKreations

Categories     Sauces

Time 1h10m

Yield 12 stuffed shells, 5 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 lb Italian sausage
12 jumbo pasta shells
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 egg, beaten
2 cups arugula, roughly chopped
1 (16 ounce) jar Ragú® Pasta Sauce (tomato sauce, tomato, garlic and onion)
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup fresh basil, minced

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Also preheat a medium skillet over medium-high heat and add sausage. Cook until slightly golden, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  • In the meantime bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add pasta shells. Cook just until el dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • In a small bowl combine ricotta and egg and mix well. Add it to the cooked sausage along with the arugula. Stir until evenly combined.
  • Spoon just enough sauce onto the bottom of an 8 x 8 baking dish and spread to lightly coat the bottom. Evenly fill pasta shells with the sausage mixture and place in baking dish. Spoon remaining sauce on top of the shells, then sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan.
  • Bake until slightly golden and bubbly, about 35 to 40 minutes.
  • Garnish with minced basil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 592.3, Fat 45.1, SaturatedFat 20.8, Cholesterol 158.2, Sodium 1587.5, Carbohydrate 7.2, Fiber 0.2, Sugar 1.7, Protein 38.2

Tips:

  • Choose the right sausage: Italian sausage comes in a variety of flavors, so choose one that you enjoy. For a classic flavor, choose a sweet Italian sausage. If you like a little more heat, try a spicy Italian sausage. You can also use a combination of different types of sausage.
  • Cook the sausage thoroughly: Sausage is a ground meat, so it's important to cook it thoroughly to avoid foodborne illness. Cook the sausage over medium heat until it's no longer pink in the center.
  • Use a variety of cheeses: The type of cheese you use can make a big difference in the flavor of the stuffed shells. Try using a combination of cheeses, such as ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. You can also add other ingredients to the cheese mixture, such as herbs, spices, or vegetables.
  • Don't overcook the shells: Shells are a delicate pasta, so it's important not to overcook them. Cook the shells according to the package directions, until they're just tender.
  • Serve the stuffed shells immediately: Stuffed shells are best served immediately after they're made. This will help to prevent the shells from becoming soggy.

Conclusion:

Italian sausage stuffed shells are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that's perfect for any occasion. With a few simple tips, you can make sure that your stuffed shells turn out perfectly every time.

Here are a few additional tips for making stuffed shells:

  • If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked sausage.
  • You can also use a variety of other pasta shapes for this recipe, such as penne, ziti, or rigatoni.
  • If you're making the stuffed shells ahead of time, you can bake them and then reheat them when you're ready to serve.
  • Garnish the stuffed shells with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, before serving.

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