Best Spinach Sausage Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipes

SAUSAGE, RICOTTA, AND SPINACH STUFFED PASTA SHELLS RECIPE

Sausage, Ricotta, and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe image

Provided by charlotteh371

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

Ingredients
1 package jumbo pasta shells 16oz
4 cups ricotta or cottage cheese
12 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
2 Eggs lightly beaten
4 tsp garlic powder *see note
1 tsp dried oregano
3/4 cup parmesan grated or shredded is fine
45 oz spaghetti sauce large jar
4 cups spinach rough chopped and stems removed if you prefer
1 lb ground Italian sausage
dried parsley for garnish
1/2 tsp pepper optional

Steps:

Instructions In a skillet over medium heat, brown and crumble the sausage. Drain any excess fat and remove from heat. In the same saucepan, cook spinach until wilted or about 1-2 minutes. Cook the shells according to package directions (I cook them until they are pliable for filling and no more). In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, 8oz of mozzarella, 1/2 cup of parmesan, eggs, oregano, garlic powder, and pepper (optional). Stir in the spinach. Coat the bottom of a 9x13in pan with the entire jar of spaghetti sauce. Spoon the cheese mixture into the shells and place shells open side up, very close together in the dish. There will be more shells than will fit into this pan and you can either make a second smaller pan (5x8 is good) or freeze for future use. Sometimes the shells also break in the box so this is fine. Sprinkle the sausage over the top of the shells. Then sprinkle with the remaining 4oz of mozzarella and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees F for 25-35 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly. If you like a cheesy crust, you may broil it uncovered for 3-5 minutes (watch closely). Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Notes I am not a huge fan of garlic, but I find that this recipe really absorbs the garlic and mellows the flavor while baking. I usually put enough garlic powder until I think "wow, I put too much in". That is actually the perfect amount. I personally like Prego Chunky Garden Vegetable but use your favorite spaghetti sauce.

SPINACH & SAUSAGE STUFFED PASTA SHELLS

Spinach & Sausage Stuffed Pasta Shells image

Here is a good way to make a little meat go a long way. These are good enough to serve company! I found this recipe in a great little booklet called, Dinner on the Double, by Better Homes and Gardens.

Provided by Laura Bruce

Categories Pasta Shells

Time 30m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

32 large pasta shells
1 lb bulk pork sausage, cooked and drained
10 ounces chopped frozen spinach, thawed and drained
4 eggs, beaten
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
3 cups spaghetti sauce

Steps:

Cook pasta shells according to package directions.
Drain and rinse with cold water and drain again.
Combine remaining ingredients, except spaghetti sauce, in a large bowl and mix well.
Fill each pasta shell with 3 tablespoons of filling.
Place in a baking dish and top with spaghetti sauce.
Bake at 350 degrees until heated through, about 30 minutes.
To freeze: Freeze before baking.
You may freeze individually wrapped shells without sauce, or freeze sauce-topped shells in baking dish.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 449.6, Fat 31.4, SaturatedFat 16.2, Cholesterol 184.3, Sodium 564.2, Carbohydrate 9, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 4.2, Protein 32.1