Description
Stuffed Shells with Sausage and Spinach
Ingredients
12 jumbo pasta shells
1 lb Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled)
2 cups fresh spinach (chopped and sautéed)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cups marinara sauce
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Directions
Preheat oven: Set to 375°F (190°C).
Cook shells: Boil pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the filling: In a bowl, combine cooked sausage, sautéed spinach, ricotta, 1/2 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg. Mix well.
Stuff the shells: Fill each shell with the sausage and cheese mixture.
Assemble: Spread marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange stuffed shells over the sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top and add cherry tomatoes.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish: Add fresh basil leaves before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 410 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect stuffed shells every time. First, ensure your oven rack is in the center position and preheat to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo shells for 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions for al dente; they will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and immediately arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to prevent sticking. For the filling, thoroughly combine the ricotta, egg, and half the mozzarella and all the Parmesan in a large bowl. Fold in the cooked, crumbled sausage and sautéed spinach that has been squeezed of excess moisture. Using a spoon or piping bag, generously fill each shell. A 9×13 inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
These rich, cheesy shells are a complete meal on their own, but they pair beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a classic Italian-American dinner, serve with warm, garlicky breadsticks or a slice of crusty bread. A glass of medium-bodied red wine, like a Chianti or Sangiovese, complements the savory sausage and tomato sauce perfectly.
How-to Summary
In summary: cook shells al dente, mix filling (sausage, spinach, cheeses, egg), stuff shells, arrange in a sauced dish, top with cheese and tomatoes, bake covered (20 min) then uncovered (10 min) at 375°F, and garnish with fresh basil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make stuffed shells ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time when cooking from cold.
Can I use a different protein? Yes. Ground beef, turkey, or chicken are excellent substitutes for Italian sausage. For a vegetarian version, use sautéed mushrooms or plant-based crumbles.
How do I prevent the shells from tearing? Avoid overcooking during the initial boil. Handle them gently with a slotted spoon and let them cool slightly before stuffing.
Can I freeze baked stuffed shells? Yes. Cool completely, then wrap the baking dish or individual portions tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating, covered, in a 350°F oven.
Why is my filling watery? This is usually due to excess moisture in the spinach. Always sauté spinach and squeeze it firmly in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove liquid before adding it to the cheese mixture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta shells before baking, which leads to mushy results.
- Not squeezing the liquid from the cooked spinach, creating a runny filling.
- Under-seasoning the filling. Taste the mixture before stuffing and adjust with salt, pepper, or Italian herbs.
- Packing the baking dish too tightly, which prevents even heating and sauce distribution.
- Forgetting to let the baked dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, allowing the filling to set for cleaner slices.
Conclusion
Stuffed Shells with Sausage and Spinach is a quintessential comfort food dish that is both impressive and straightforward to prepare. By following this enhanced guide, avoiding common pitfalls, and utilizing the make-ahead tips, you can create a reliably delicious, crowd-pleasing dinner any night of the week. The combination of savory sausage, creamy cheeses, and vibrant spinach encased in pasta is a guaranteed winner for family meals and entertaining alike.