Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite family dinner. These Sausage Stuffed Shells are the definition of comfort food. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a savory mixture of Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and parmesan cheese, then baked in a rich marinara sauce under a blanket of melted mozzarella. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that tastes like it came from a classic Italian restaurant but is surprisingly easy to make right in your own kitchen.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight meal, a dish to impress guests, or a perfect make-ahead casserole, this recipe ticks all the boxes. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible.
Why This Sausage Stuffed Shells Recipe is a Winner
This isn’t just any stuffed shells recipe. It’s a perfected version that guarantees delicious results every single time. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of spicy or sweet Italian sausage with creamy cheeses and herbs creates a filling that is rich, savory, and perfectly balanced.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: It’s elegant enough for a special dinner but simple enough for a casual family meal. It’s also a go-to for potlucks and gatherings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the entire dish ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready, making it a lifesaver for busy days. See our tips below for freezing, too!
- Customizable: Feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences. Use different cheeses, add spinach, or try a different type of sausage.
The Core Ingredients for Perfect Stuffed Shells
The magic of this dish comes from using simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
For the Shells & Filling
- Jumbo Pasta Shells: You’ll need about 12 ounces of these. Cook them just until al dente to prevent them from getting mushy during baking.
- Italian Sausage: One pound of ground Italian sausage is the star. You can use hot, mild, or sweet, depending on your preference.
- Ricotta Cheese: Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest, most luxurious texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor that cuts through the richness.
- Egg: This acts as a binder, helping the filling hold its shape.
- Garlic & Onion: These aromatics build the foundational layer of flavor.
- Seasoning: A simple mix of dried parsley, salt, and black pepper is all you need.
For the Sauce & Topping
- Marinara Sauce: A good quality store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly and saves time. Choose your favorite brand.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts beautifully, creating that irresistible cheese pull.
How to Make Sausage Stuffed Shells (Step-by-Step)
Making these stuffed shells is a simple four-step process. Follow along, and you’ll have a perfect casserole ready for the oven.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo shells and cook according to package directions until al dente. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will continue to soften in the oven. Drain the shells and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sausage Filling
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease. In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Stuff the Shells
Now for the fun part! Gently open each cooked pasta shell and use a small spoon to fill it with a generous amount of the sausage and ricotta mixture. Don’t be shy – you want them to be plump and full.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the filled shells in a single layer on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, ensuring they are evenly coated. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
For a similar but even heartier meal, you might also love this French Onion Beef Casserole.
Tips for the Best Sausage Stuffed Shells
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the shells 1-2 minutes less than the package directs. They need to be firm enough to hold their shape during stuffing and baking.
- Use Whole Milk Ricotta: For the creamiest filling, avoid part-skim ricotta, which can be watery and grainy.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own mozzarella and parmesan makes a big difference.
Fun Variations to Try
This recipe is a fantastic base for creativity. Try one of these variations to switch things up:
- Add Spinach: Mix in a cup of thawed and well-drained frozen spinach to the cheese mixture for extra nutrients and color.
- Three-Cheese Blend: Add some provolone or asiago cheese to the mozzarella topping for a more complex flavor.
- Use a Different Protein: Not a fan of sausage? Try ground beef, turkey, or even shredded chicken. If you like sausage, be sure to check out our Sausage and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits.
Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions
This is the perfect dish to prepare in advance, making your life easier on busy weeknights.
How to Make Ahead
You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow all the steps up to baking, then cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
How to Freeze
For longer storage, freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole. Cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To bake, you can either thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or bake it directly from frozen. If baking from frozen, cover with foil and bake for about 1 hour, then uncover and bake for another 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
What to Serve with Stuffed Shells
These Sausage Stuffed Shells are a complete meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a perfect fresh contrast. For something heartier, try some Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes or a side of steamed vegetables. And of course, you can never go wrong with a basket of warm garlic bread for soaking up that extra sauce. For another great baked dish, consider trying these delicious oven-baked meatballs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, absolutely. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the bake time.
While ricotta provides the classic creamy texture, you could substitute it with cottage cheese (blended until smooth) or a mixture of cream cheese and mozzarella for a different but still delicious result.
The key is to cook the shells just until al dente (firm to the bite). Overcooking makes them soft and fragile. Rinsing them with cool water after draining also helps stop the cooking process and makes them easier to handle.
Ground Italian sausage is the best choice. You can use sweet, mild, or hot varieties depending on your personal preference for spice.
For best results, freeze the shells after assembling but before baking. Cover the dish with a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time.
More Hearty Dinner Inspiration
If you enjoyed this recipe, we know you’ll love exploring our other dinner creations. We specialize in comforting, flavorful meals that bring everyone to the table. Take a look and find your next favorite!
We hope you love this Sausage Stuffed Shells recipe as much as we do! It’s a true comfort food classic that’s sure to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. If you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know what you think. Don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest!
Sausage Stuffed Shells Recipe
Sausage Stuffed Shells (The Best & Easiest Recipe!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook jumbo shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Use a small spoon to fill each cooked shell with the sausage and cheese mixture.
- Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells. Top with shredded mozzarella and the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Tip 2: Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting and flavor.
Tip 3: For easy cleanup, you can spray your baking dish with non-stick spray before adding the sauce.
