This recipe is perfect for those who love traditional Italian flavors and hearty, comforting meals. It is also a great option for dinner parties or date nights, as it can be made ahead of time and feeds a crowd. The dish is made with large pasta shells stuffed with a creamy ricotta filling and smothered in a flavorful Italian sausage tomato sauce. It's a filling and indulgent dish that is sure to satisfy any craving.

To begin, you'll need to gather your ingredients. For the sausage sauce, you'll need one pack of Italian sausages, one large jar of puréed tomato sauce, some butter and olive oil, and a variety of seasonings, including fennel seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and dried chili flakes. For the stuffed shells, you'll need two cartons of ricotta cheese, one large egg, one cup of grated mozzarella cheese, one cup of grated parmesan cheese, a bag or box of large pasta shells, and some additional butter and olive oil.

To start, you'll want to cook the Italian sausages with the tomato sauce and seasonings until they are tender and the sauce has thickened. This will take some time, so be sure to stir occasionally and allow the flavors to meld together. While the sauce is cooking, you can cook the pasta shells in boiling salted water until they are al dente. Once they're done, drain them and toss them with some olive oil to keep them from sticking together.

Next, it's time to make the ricotta filling. In a mixing bowl, combine two containers of ricotta cheese, one large egg, and a quarter cup each of grated mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese. Mix everything together until it's smooth and creamy, and then spoon the filling into a piping bag. Carefully pipe the ricotta mixture into each of the cooked pasta shells, being careful not to overfill them.

Once the shells are stuffed, it's time to assemble the dish. Pour the sausage sauce over the top of the stuffed shells, making sure that each shell is well-coated. Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese over the top of the sauce. Cover the dish with aluminum foil, making sure that it's tightly sealed.

Bake the dish in a preheated 375F oven for about an hour, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. After an hour, remove the foil and allow the dish to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden brown and crispy. Let the dish cool for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the filling to set.

This dish is perfect for serving at dinner parties or date nights, as it can be prepared ahead of time and reheated when needed. It's also a great option for meal prep, as the leftovers can be easily reheated for a quick and satisfying meal during the week.

Overall, this recipe for Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Italian Sausage Sauce is a delicious and comforting dish that is sure to satisfy any craving for Italian flavors. The rich and creamy filling pairs perfectly with the savory and spicy sausage sauce, making for a dish that is sure to impress. Give it a try tonight and enjoy the delicious flavors of Italy in the comfort of your own home.