Hot Italian Stuffed Shells With Ricotta Cheese

These Hot Italian Stuffed Shells with Ricotta Cheese are a hearty, comforting dish perfect for a family meal. Jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with a savory blend of Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and a medley of cheeses, then topped with marinara sauce and baked to perfection.

The result is a rich and flavorful dish with gooey melted cheese and a deliciously spiced sausage filling. Whether served for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these stuffed shells are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Hot Italian Stuffed Shells With Ricotta Cheese

Ingredients

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

Instructions:

In a skillet, cook sausage over medium heat, until pork is no longer pink; drain.

In a Dutch oven, cook pasta shells according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water.

Using a pastry brush, coat sides and bottom of a 3-quart baking dish with oil.

Pour half of the marinara sauce into baking dish.

In a large bowl, combine eggs, ricotta cheese, 2-½ cups of mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, basil, pepper and prepared sausage.

Stuff shells with meat mixture; arrange in baking dish.

Pour remaining marinara sauce over shells.

Cover and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.

Uncover; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Bake 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

Sprinkle with parsley.

Notes:

Sausage Choice: Use Johnsonville Mild or Sweet Ground Sausage for a balanced flavor, but you can substitute with hot sausage if you prefer more spice.

Pasta Shells: Ensure you cook the jumbo pasta shells until they are just al dente, as they will cook further in the oven. Overcooked shells can become too soft and break easily when stuffed.

Marinara Sauce: Use a high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor. You can also make your own homemade sauce if preferred.

Cheese Mix: The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses provides a rich, creamy filling. For a variation, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone or fontina.

Herbs: Fresh basil and parsley add a vibrant flavor, but dried herbs can be used as a substitute if fresh is not available.

Prepping Ahead: The stuffed shells can be assembled a day ahead. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.

Freezing: This dish can be frozen before baking. Assemble the shells and freeze them in a baking dish. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

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Garnish: Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top before serving adds a fresh, colorful touch.

Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, you can omit the sausage and add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the cheese mixture.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute the Johnsonville Mild or Sweet Ground Sausage with another type of sausage or even a turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.

Just ensure it is fully cooked before mixing with the other ingredients.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil.

Can I freeze the stuffed shells?

Yes, you can freeze them.

Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Bake from frozen, adding about 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.

What type of cheese can I use instead of ricotta?

You can use cottage cheese or mascarpone cheese as a substitute for ricotta.

Both will give a slightly different texture but still work well.

How do I know when the stuffed shells are fully cooked?

The stuffed shells are done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the pasta is tender.

You can check by inserting a knife into the center of a shell to ensure it is hot throughout.

Can I use homemade marinara sauce?

Absolutely! Homemade marinara sauce can add a personal touch and may enhance the flavor of the dish.

What if I don’t have a 3-quart baking dish?

If you don’t have a 3-quart baking dish, you can use another size, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Just ensure the shells are arranged in a single layer.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture for extra heat.

You can also use spicy Italian sausage.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Yes, you can add finely chopped vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the cheese and sausage mixture for added nutrition and flavor.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

To reheat in the oven, cover with foil to prevent the pasta from drying out.