Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 box of jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound of ground serniun sausage
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of diced onion
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 jar of marinara sauce
- 1 cup of ricotta cheese
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground serniun sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
4. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Add the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Pour the jar of marinara sauce into the skillet and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
7. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and egg. Stir until well combined.
8. Spoon the cheese mixture into each cooked pasta shell, filling them about 3/4 of the way full.
9. Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
10. Arrange the stuffed pasta shells in the baking dish, on top of the marinara sauce.
11. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the stuffed shells.
12. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
13. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
14. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 530
Total Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 122mg
Sodium: 1290mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 32g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef or turkey can be substituted for the serniun sausage.
- Cottage cheese can be substituted for the ricotta cheese.
- Any type of shredded cheese can be substituted for the mozzarella cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the cheese mixture for added nutrition.
- Use a different type of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, instead of the jumbo shells.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the serniun sausage for added flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the pasta shells al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use a piping bag or a spoon to fill the pasta shells with the cheese mixture.
- Let the stuffed shells cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the stuffed shells on a large platter with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.
Garnishes:
Fresh parsley
Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Grilled asparagus
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pasta shells are too difficult to stuff, try soaking them in hot water for a few minutes before filling.
- If the cheese mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the serniun sausage thoroughly to avoid foodborne illness.
Food history:
Stuffed shells are a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the United States in the 1970s.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot with a side of garlic bread and a Caesar salad for a complete meal.
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Taste: Creamy, Cheesy, Savory, Rich, Comforting