Sausage and Spinach Stuffed Shells Recipe

Mary Kay DeSola | Homemade Cravings

Sausage and spinach stuffed shells are Sunday supper perfection. The whole family will dig in without complaint.

Sausage and Spinach Stuffed Shells Photo

Nothing says Sunday Supper like a big plate of pasta. Especially one that includes sausage, spinach and pasta with creamy cheese and tomato sauce in one comforting dish. It’s ideal for these cold winter nights.

Growing up my family never was one for more than spaghetti and meatballs, we were more of a roast beef and potato kind of family. Not until I moved to New Jersey as a teenager do I remember regularly seeing lasagna, stuffed shells and manicotti at friends homes, parties and restaurants.

After marrying a guy whose Thanksgiving meals often included at least a lasagna or a tray of stuffed shells did I gain an appreciation for stuffed pastas and decided to learn how to make these baked pastas myself.

Sausage and Spinach Stuffed Shells Picture

I’ve spent some years working out the kinks and figuring out what my kids will and won’t eat and now my family regularly looks forward to a night of Cheese Lasagna or one of our favorite weeknight meals, Ravioli Sausage Bake.

I love the fact that this dish is a one dish dinner, although its definitely a meal for a Sunday when you have time to spend in the kitchen. The recipe makes enough for 8 adults, which means it will last our family an extra night for dinner. Its a great idea to make a double recipe or split the shells among two baking dishes and freeze one for later. There’s nothing better than being able to pull something out of the freezer when you have a busy day!

Sausage and Spinach Stuffed Shells Image

You’ve got everything for your meal in this dish, but make sure you put the extra sauce out when you serve the shells with some bread for dipping, like this Rosemary Roasted Garlic Bread.

Feeling the need to end your meal on a sweet note? These Tiramsu Cupcakes should certainly do the trick!

Are you tired of the dinner routine?

Stuck in a rut or looking for fun new recipes to try?

Our Facebook Group is growing every day! If you haven’t joined yet, we invite you to come check it out and join the fun.

Facebook!

You can ask for recipe ideas, talk about cooking techniques, or get help figuring out the right new pan set for you. If you’ve already joined, invite a friend along!

Print
Save

Sausage and Spinach Stuffed Shells Recipe

    8 Servings

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces Jumbo Shells, 1 package
  • 9 ounces Spinach, fresh
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1 pound Sweet Italian Sausage
  • 2 tablespoons Butter
  • 1 White Onion, chopped
  • 1 clove Garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes, 1 can
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste
  • 32 ounces Ricotta Cheese
  • 1 large Egg
  • 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded, divided
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

Directions

  1. Cook shells 2 minutes less than package directions until al dente and drain.
  2. Microwave spinach in bag as per instructions. Let cool, squeeze out as much water as possible and chop and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium high. Remove sausage from casings and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon into small crumbles, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and drain on a plate lined with paper towels until slightly cooled and set aside.
  4. Add butter to skillet and melt. Add onions and cook, stirring for about 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook an additional minute.
  5. Stir in tomatoes and season with salt and pepper to taste. Turn heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and cook an additional 5 minutes.
  6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pour 1 cup of sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish.
  7. Combine ricotta, egg, 1 cup of mozzarella and parmesan. Stir in cooked spinach and sausage.
  8. Stuff each shell with about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture and arrange on top of the sauce in the baking pan. Pour remaining sauce over the shells and top with remaining cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
  9. Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes.

Recommended

Published:
Modified:
Author:
Cooking Method:
Baked
Cuisine:
Sunday Suppers
Category:
Casseroles
Tags:
, , , , , , ,
Related Recipes:
Sunday Supper Recipes, Italian Recipes, Baked Recipes, Pasta Recipes, Casserole Recipes, Sausage Recipes, Spinach Recipes, Cheese Recipes
Recipe Yields:
8 servings
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
Total Time:
Related Post:
Published:
Author: Mary Kay DeSola
Recipe Yields: 8 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes

Nutrition Facts

Servings Per Recipe 8

Amount Per Serving
Calories from Fat 316
Calories 765

% Daily Value*
61%
Total Fat 40g
87%
  Saturated Fat 17g
39%
Sodium 936mg
16%
Total Carbohydrate 48g
2%
  Dietary Fiber 2g
  Sugars 4g
73%
Protein 37g

* Percent Daily Value are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrition Facts are estimated based on ingredients and data provided by Fat Secret. Please consult a doctor if you have special dietary needs.
Mary Kay DeSola

About Mary

Mary Kay is known for all sorts of lovely family meals on her blog, Homemade Cravings. Around these parts, she's known for her fabulous Sunday Suppers.

Show Comments