Stuffed Shells with Sausage and Spinach
Jumbo pasta shells filled with a savory mix of Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and tender spinach, all baked in a rich marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella. It's the ultimate comfort food casserole, perfect for a family dinner or feeding a crowd.
For 6 servings
6 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo shells and cook for 1-2 minutes less than the package directions for al dente. This prevents them from tearing during stuffing. Carefully drain the shells and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside in a single layer on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- 2
Step 2
- a.While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and chopped onion. Cook for 7-8 minutes, breaking the sausage apart with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet.
- 3
In a large bowl, prepare the filling
- a.Combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, 1/2 cup of Parmesan, the beaten egg, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Add the cooked sausage mixture. Squeeze the thawed spinach thoroughly to remove all excess water—this is crucial for a non-watery filling. Add the dry spinach to the bowl and mix everything until well combined.
- 4
Assemble the casserole
- a.Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Using a small spoon, carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with a generous amount of the sausage and cheese filling. Arrange the stuffed shells snugly in a single layer in the baking dish.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish with foil.
- 6
Bake covered for 20 minutes
- a.Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown. Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1To prevent shells from tearing, handle them gently after boiling and don't overcook them.
- 2Squeezing all the water out of the thawed spinach is the most important step for a perfect filling. A salad spinner can also help after an initial squeeze.
- 3For easier stuffing, you can transfer the filling mixture to a large zip-top bag, snip off a corner, and pipe the filling into the shells.
- 4This dish is perfect for making ahead. Assemble the casserole completely (but do not bake), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 3 months.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Omit the sausage and substitute with 8 oz of finely chopped mushrooms and 1 cup of finely chopped zucchini, sautéed with the onion and garlic.
Lighter VersionLighter Version
Use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheese, and substitute the Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken sausage.
Spicier KickSpicier Kick
Use hot Italian sausage, increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon, and add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
Creamier SauceCreamier Sauce
Stir 1/4 cup of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese into the marinara sauce before pouring it over the shells for a richer, creamier texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The combination of Italian sausage, ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese provides a high amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Calcium
With three types of cheese, this dish is a great source of calcium, a mineral vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as proper nerve and muscle function.
Provides Essential Vitamins from Spinach
Spinach is packed with nutrients, including Vitamin K for bone health, Vitamin A for vision, and iron, which is crucial for transporting oxygen in the blood.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of about 5 stuffed shells contains approximately 600-750 calories, depending on the specific types of sausage and cheese used. This is a hearty, calorie-dense comfort food.