Have you ever wanted to impress your family or friends with a delicious meal that feels gourmet but is super easy to make? This three-ingredient trick from my sister is just what you need! These stuffed jumbo pasta shells filled with savory Italian sausage and melted mozzarella cheese are sure to taste like a dish from a fancy restaurant.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a simple yet satisfying meal. With just three main ingredients, you can whip up a delightful dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s great for gatherings, or simply for a comforting weeknight meal. Plus, it doesn’t require a lot of time or complicated cooking techniques.
How to Make Stuffed Jumbo Pasta Shells
Ingredients:
- 24 jumbo pasta shells (about 8 oz dry)
- 1 1/2 pounds Italian sausage, casings removed (mild or hot)
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook them until they are just shy of al dente.
- Drain the shells and rinse them under cool water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage until it is fully browned.
- Stir in 2 cups of mozzarella cheese until it starts to melt.
- Stuff each cooked shell with the sausage mixture and arrange them in the greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top of the stuffed shells.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Stuffed Jumbo Pasta Shells
These stuffed shells are best served hot right out of the oven. You can garnish them with fresh basil or parsley for an added touch. Pair them with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that will delight your guests.
How to Store Stuffed Jumbo Pasta Shells
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Stuffed Jumbo Pasta Shells
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta shells. They should be firm enough to hold the stuffing.
- Experiment with the type of sausage used; spicy sausage adds an extra kick.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms in the stuffing mix for more flavor and nutrition.
Variation
You can easily change this recipe by using a different kind of cheese, such as ricotta or cheddar. You can also switch the Italian sausage for a vegetarian sausage or cook ground beef for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular pasta instead of jumbo shells?
Yes, but the cooking time may vary, and you will need to adjust the stuffing method accordingly.
2. Can I freeze stuffed jumbo pasta shells?
Absolutely! They freeze well. Just make sure to let them cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a container.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
You can use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture before stuffing the shells.
Stuffed Jumbo Pasta Shells
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook them until they are just shy of al dente.
- Drain the shells and rinse them under cool water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage until it is fully browned.
- Stir in 2 cups of mozzarella cheese until it starts to melt.
- Stuff each cooked shell with the sausage mixture and arrange them in the greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top of the stuffed shells.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
