Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Italian Sausage Sauce is a classic Italian-American dish that is beloved by many. It is a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for a cozy night in with loved ones. The recipe is relatively easy to make and only requires a few key ingredients that can be found at any grocery store.

The first step in making Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Italian Sausage Sauce is to prepare the sauce.

To do this, you will need a pack of Italian sausages, tomato sauce, butter, olive oil, and a variety of seasonings. Start by chopping the sausages into small pieces and adding them to a large pot along with the tomato sauce, butter, olive oil, and seasonings. The seasonings include fennel seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and dried chili flakes. Rinse out the jar with a full jar of water and add it to the pot. Mix well and cook on low simmer until the sausages are very tender and a lot of the water has left the pot. Continue to chop the sausage until fine while cooking.

While the sauce is cooking, prepare the shells.

You will need a bag or box of large shells, which should be cooked according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the shells and allow them to cool slightly. In a separate bowl, mix together 2 containers of ricotta cheese, an egg, and a quarter of each of the grated cheeses (mozzarella and parmesan). Mix the ingredients well until they are fully combined.

Once the cheese mixture is ready, transfer it to a piping bag. Fill each cooked shell with the ricotta filling and place them into a large greased casserole dish. Once the sauce is done, pour it over the stuffed shells in the casserole dish. Top with the remaining grated cheese.

Pro-Tip

To prevent the cheese from sticking to the foil, it is recommended to spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray before covering the dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375F for one hour. Once done, remove the foil and allow the dish to cool for at least ten minutes before serving.

The final result of Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Italian Sausage Sauce is a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for a cozy night in.

The sausage adds a savory and slightly spicy flavor to the tomato sauce, while the ricotta filling provides a creamy and indulgent texture to the dish. The combination of the pasta shells, sausage sauce, and cheese is a classic flavor that is sure to please everyone at the dinner table.

Perfect For Dinner Parties

Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Italian Sausage Sauce is an easy and delicious dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow recipe, this dish is a classic Italian-American favorite that will never go out of style.

Going The Extra Mile

If you want to add more depth of flavor to the dish, you can try using a combination of different types of sausage, such as sweet Italian sausage, hot Italian sausage, or even spicy chorizo. You can also add some diced onions and bell peppers to the sauce for extra texture and flavor.

Make it Healthier

If you want to make the dish healthier, you can use ground turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage, and opt for low-fat ricotta cheese. You can also add some spinach or kale to the ricotta filling for some added nutrients.

Make it Beautiful

If you want to make the dish more visually appealing, you can top it with some fresh herbs, such as chopped basil or parsley, or some red pepper flakes for a pop of color and spice.

In The End

Overall, Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Italian Sausage Sauce is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with different ingredients, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone feeling satisfied and comforted.

Make it Special

To make the dish even more special, you can serve it with a side salad or garlic bread. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad pairs well with the rich and savory flavors of the stuffed shells. You can also make garlic bread by slicing a baguette or Italian bread, brushing it with olive oil, garlic, and butter, and toasting it in the oven until crispy.

Preparation is Key

If you want to make the dish ahead of time, you can assemble the stuffed shells and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, simply pour the sauce over the shells and bake according to the recipe instructions.

How To Store it

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months by wrapping the dish tightly in foil or plastic wrap and storing it in a freezer-safe container.

Pair it With Something Fancy

In addition to being a delicious and comforting meal, Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Italian Sausage Sauce is also a great dish for entertaining. It can easily be scaled up to feed a crowd, and it pairs well with a variety of wines, such as Chianti, Sangiovese, or Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Italian Sausage Sauce is a classic and versatile dish that is sure to please everyone at the dinner table. Whether you are cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is a delicious and comforting option that will leave your guests feeling satisfied and happy.