Lasagna stuffed shells combine the flavors of two classic Italian dishes into one delicious meal. This recipe takes the traditional flavors of lasagna—rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and savory Italian sausage—and combines them with large pasta shells for a hearty and satisfying dish. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just looking for a comforting dinner, these lasagna stuffed shells are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients for Lasagna Stuffed Shells:
- 1 box jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 24-oz jar marinara sauce
- 1 15-oz container ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Lasagna Stuffed Shells:
- Cook the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Make the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Stuffed Shells: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a thin layer of the sausage marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with a spoonful of the cheese mixture and place it in the baking dish.
- Bake the Stuffed Shells: Pour the remaining sausage marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Remove the foil from the baking dish and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown. Let the stuffed shells cool for a few minutes before serving.
About the Main Ingredients:
Jumbo Pasta Shells: These large pasta shells are perfect for stuffing with a delicious cheese mixture and hearty sausage marinara sauce. They cook up tender and make a great vessel for all the flavors in this dish.
Italian Sausage: The Italian sausage adds a savory and spicy kick to the dish. You can use mild or spicy sausage, depending on your preference.
Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta cheese is creamy and mild, making it the perfect base for the cheese filling. It adds a rich and creamy texture to the stuffed shells.
Marinara Sauce: A good-quality marinara sauce is key to this recipe. It adds flavor and moisture to the dish and pairs perfectly with the Italian sausage.
Variations and Tips:
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the Italian sausage for a vegetarian version of this dish. You can add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the cheese mixture for added flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to increase the baking time slightly if baking from cold.
Lasagna stuffed shells are a delicious and comforting meal that combines the best of both lasagna and stuffed shells. With layers of cheesy goodness and savory Italian sausage, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it for dinner tonight and enjoy the delicious flavors of Italy!
