Spinach Sausage Stuffed Pasta Shells
Indulge in the cozy comfort of Spinach Sausage Stuffed Pasta Shells, a delightful Italian-inspired dish that combines rich, bold flavors with creamy, cheesy goodness. Perfectly al dente jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with a savory mix of browned Italian sausage, vibrant spinach, and ricotta, then layered with marinara and topped with a melty trio of mozzarella and Parmesan. This family-friendly recipe is easy to make yet impressive enough for guests, offering a hearty, comforting meal in just under an hour. Serve it with a fresh green salad or crusty garlic bread for a truly satisfying dinner that will have everyone reaching for seconds. With its balance of textures and flavors, this baked pasta dish is destined to become a dinnertime favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 20 pieces Jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot)
- 10 ounces Spinach (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 large Egg
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 3 cups Marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 8 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
If using fresh spinach, sauté it in the same skillet until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. If using frozen spinach, ensure it's thawed and well-drained.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, spinach, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until thoroughly combined.
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Fill each cooked pasta shell with about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the sausage and spinach filling, then arrange them in the baking dish open side up.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
706 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 48.1 g | 62% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.3 g | 111% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 156 mg | 52% | |
| Sodium | 1981 mg | 86% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 23.5 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.1 g | ||
| Protein | 43.4 g | 87% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 802 mg | 62% | |
| Iron | 3.5 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 552 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
