If you’re looking for a cozy and comforting meal that will impress your family and friends, then you’ll love this recipe for Stuffed Pasta Shells Giada. These cheesy and flavorful stuffed pasta shells are the ultimate comfort food dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Made with creamy ricotta cheese, savory Italian sausage, and zesty marinara sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound jumbo pasta shells
– 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 15 ounces ricotta cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
– 1 large egg
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
5. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
6. Fold the sausage mixture into the cheese mixture and stir until well combined.
7. Spoon a layer of marinara sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
8. Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the sausage and cheese mixture, then place them in the baking dish on top of the marinara sauce.
9. Once all the shells are stuffed and arranged in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top.
10. Sprinkle the remaining cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the stuffed shells.
11. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
13. Let the Stuffed Pasta Shells Giada cool for a few minutes before serving.
14. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
These Stuffed Pasta Shells Giada are perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck with friends. The combination of the creamy cheese filling and savory Italian sausage makes for a delicious and satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Enjoy this comforting dish with a side salad and a glass of your favorite wine for the perfect evening at home.
