Sausage and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

 

I’m sure I’ve said this before, but I am going to say it again. I love stuffed shells! I really do not like stuffing them. There are so many different combinations and ingredients you can stuff the shells with, but the time it takes to stuff them is not something I enjoy doing. It always seems to take forever.

These stuffed shells are filled with Italian sausage and 3 different kinds of cheese for the most delicious and cheesy shells. I used hot Italian sausage in these shells, I always use it when I can in a recipe, I like the little bit of spiciness it gives recipes.

Sausage and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Ingredients:

• 12 ounce
  box jumbo shells
• 16 ounces
  ground Italian sausage
• 2 cups
  ricotta cheese
• 3
  cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup
  shredded parmesan cheese
• 1
  egg
• 24 ounces
  marinara sauce
• 1 cup
  shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350º F.
2. Cook the pasta shells until al dente and drain well.
3. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the sausage until completely cooked and crumbled.
4. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage to a large bowl. Add in the ricotta, garlic, parmesan cheese and egg. Stir until well incorporated.
5. Spread 1 cup marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Fill the shells with some of the ricotta and meat mixture and place into the baking dish.
6. Top each shell with a heaping teaspoon of marinara sauce and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over top the entire dish.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted. If you want the cheese golden brown place it under the broiler for a minute or two. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy!!!

Notes:

You can use more marinara sauce on top if desired.

Depending on how many shells you fill, this will serve anywhere between 6 and 8 people.