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Stuffed pasta shells filled with meat and topped with melted cheese and herbs, served on a blue plate. Yellow, red, and green bell peppers are in the background.

Pizza Stuffed Shells with Italian Sausage and Cheese

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Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 20-24 jumbo pasta shells
  • 4 Italian brat sausages casings removed
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 3 cup marinara or pizza sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A little red pepper flakes
  • Parsley

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Cook jumbo shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • Remove casings from Italian brats and cook in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease.
  • Season sausage with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and dried basil. Stir well and remove from heat.
  • In a bowl, mix together ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, and the seasoned sausage mixture.
  • Spoon the filling into each cooked shell.
  • Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish.
  • Place stuffed shells in the dish and pour remaining sauce over the top.
  • Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  • Let rest for 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy.
  • Use your favorite marinara or pizza sauce.
  • Add a little red pepper flakes for a kick.
  • Make ahead and refrigerate; bake the next day.
  • Add parsley and make it fancy.