Are you craving a delicious, comforting meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Creamy Sausage and Spinach Stuffed Shells recipe is the perfect blend of savory sausage, creamy cheese, and tender pasta, all baked to golden perfection. It's a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or any occasion when you want to impress your loved ones with a homemade meal that tastes like pure indulgence. This recipe is a delightful example of easy recipes and healthy meals – a win-win!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Filling:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in the spinach, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook until the cream cheese is melted and the mixture is well combined.
Assemble and Bake:
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Fill each pasta shell with the sausage and spinach mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this delicious dish hot, garnished with extra parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. A side salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stuffed shells.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape better when stuffed.
- Squeeze out excess water from the spinach: This prevents the filling from becoming watery.
- Use good quality sausage: The flavor of the sausage will significantly impact the overall taste of the dish.
- Adjust seasonings to your liking: Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini would be delicious additions to the filling.
- Use different cheese: Try using a blend of cheeses like provolone or fontina instead of mozzarella.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little heat.
- Make it a lighter meal: Use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage to reduce fat and calories.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Fat: 20-25g
- Protein: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This creamy sausage and spinach stuffed shells recipe is a testament to the versatility of simple ingredients. It's a quick dinner idea, a perfect example of homemade cooking, and undeniably one of the best recipes for a comforting and satisfying meal. Enjoy!