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 different types of sausage for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any type of sausage you prefer, such as chicken sausage or turkey sausage.

• Can I substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese?

While ricotta cheese is traditional for stuffed shells, you can use cottage cheese as a substitute if needed.

• Can I add other vegetables to the filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the filling for added flavor.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.

• Can I freeze leftover stuffed shells?

Yes, you can freeze the stuffed shells for later consumption. Just make sure to thaw and bake before serving.

Helpful tips:

• Top the stuffed shells with extra shredded mozzarella before baking for a cheesier finish.
• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Experiment with different types of cheese for the filling, such as fontina or provolone.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving for a burst of freshness.

Expert Secrets:

• Make sure to season each component of the dish well to ensure a flavorful end result.
• Don’t overcook the pasta shells as they will continue to cook in the oven.
• Let the stuffed shells rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese mixture for a hint of warmth.
• For a lighter version, use turkey sausage and part-skim ricotta cheese.