Meet the Sausage And Spinach Stuffed Shells Recipe – a dazzling, delicious and delectable dish that has the power to bring your whole family to the dinner table. The classic taste of savory sausage, coupled with fresh spinach, stuffed into tender pasta shells, and topped with a rich and creamy sauce is a complete crowd-pleaser. Perfect for family gatherings, potluck dinners, or a delightful weekend meal, this dish promises to leave your taste buds dancing.
The heartwarming crunch of the shell combined with the mouth-watering fillings creates a harmonious battlefield of flavors that are bound to excite your palate. It’s a meal you wouldn’t want to miss out on. You totally gotta try this. I promise you, it’ll be love at first bite.
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 6 people
- Yield: 30 shells
Let’s lace up our aprons and get cooking, shall we? Keep reading as we dive into the delicious details!
Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need
- 30 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb Italian Sausage
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 & 1/2 cups Ricotta cheese
- 2 cups Marinara sauce
- 1 & 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
You will need a large pot for boiling the pasta shells and a baking dish for baking the entire ensemble.
The Italian sausage is a key player in our recipe as it adds a unique, spicy kick to the shells. If you aren’t a meat person, worry not, you can use tofu as a substitute. The fresh, bright flavor of spinach adds a refreshing touch that cuts through the dense texture of the cheese.
How To Make Sausage And Spinach Stuffed Shells Recipe
- Start by preheating your oven to 350��F (180��C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the instructions on the packet. Once cooked, set them aside to cool.
- Meanwhile, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat. Once cooked through, add in the spinach and saut�� until it wilts. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage-spinach mixture with Ricotta cheese. This forms the stuffing for the shells.
- Spoon some marinara sauce into the baking dish. Begin stuffing the shells with the sausage and spinach mixture. As you finish, place them in the baking dish over the sauce.
- Once all the shells are filled and in place, top it off with the rest of the marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bake for about 25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden. Remove from the oven and serve hot.
Tips For The Best Results
- Make sure the pasta is cooked ‘al-dente’, as it will cook further in the oven.
- Use freshly grated mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.
Storage Tips
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated. It can be reheated in the oven or microwave before serving.
- The stuffed shells can be frozen and baked later. Just extend the baking time by 10 minutes if baking from frozen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Yes, replace sausage with tofu or your favorite plant-based meat substitute.
Q: Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?
A: Absolutely, you can use any cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or gouda.
Q: Can I make this dish in advance?
A: Yes, this dish can be prepped in advance. Stuff the shells, arrange them in the baking dish and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Q: How long can I store the leftovers?
A: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze the stuffed shells?
A: Yes, just extend the baking time by 10 minutes if baking from frozen.
Nutritional Facts of Sausage And Spinach Stuffed Shells Recipe
Per serving, this dish contains about 350 calories, 22g protein, 15g fat, and 31g carbohydrates. Please note that these values might change depending on the specific brands of ingredients used.
So, what’s the verdict? This Sausage And Spinach Stuffed Shells Recipe is an absolute showstopper ��� it’s satisfying, delicious, and totally worth the effort! Serve it with a zesty Caesar salad, a side of garlic bread, or simply on its own – this toothsome dish is enough to light up any meal. Let’s get stuffing, shall we?
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