Spinach and Sausage Stuffed Pasta Shells
This satisfying Italian pasta bake stretches a small amount of meat into a generous meal, ideal for entertaining. Large pasta shells are stuffed with a rich mixture of cooked pork sausage, thawed spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, cheddar and beaten eggs. After stuffing, the shells are arranged in a dish, covered with spaghetti sauce and baked until hot. The recipe also includes handy instructions for freezing the assembled shells for a future convenient dinner.
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
Method
- Follow the package directions to cook the large pasta shells.
- Drain the cooked shells, then rinse them under cold water and drain once more.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, drained spinach, beaten eggs, ricotta, mozzarella and cheddar cheese, mixing everything thoroughly.
- Spoon 3 tablespoons of the prepared filling mixture into each cooked pasta shell.
- Arrange the filled shells in a baking dish and pour the spaghetti sauce over the top.
- Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes, or until the dish is heated through.
- For freezing, prepare the shells but do not bake them.
- You can freeze the sauce-topped shells in the baking dish, or wrap individual unfilled shells without sauce for freezing.
Nutrition (per serving)
Sodium564200 mg
Recipe details
CategoryPasta Shells
Cuisineitalian
AuthorLaura Bruce