“When you want a cozy, Italian-inspired dinner that feels like it took hours, but you only have three ingredients and ten minutes of prep time.”

Directions and Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish to ensure easy cleanup.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook them until just shy of al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than what the package suggests.
3. Once cooked, drain the shells and give them a quick rinse under cool water. Lay them out in a single layer on a clean baking sheet or plate.
4. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Let it sizzle until fully browned and fragrant, about 7-10 minutes.
5. After browning, allow the sausage to cool slightly, then stir in 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese until it begins to melt into a creamy mixture.
6. Generously spoon the savory sausage and cheese mixture into each cooked shell, packing it in gently to create little bundles of joy.
7. Carefully arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer within the prepared baking dish.
8. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella evenly over the tops of the stuffed shells, creating a blanket of cheesy goodness.
9. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes, allowing everything to heat through beautifully.
10. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden brown.
11. Once out of the oven, let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This will make it easier to plate and enjoy!

Notes or Tips

For added flavor, consider mixing in your favorite herbs such as basil or oregano with the sausage. You can also top the dish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy twist. Serve with a side salad and warm, crusty bread to complete your meal!

Cooking Techniques

Mastering the art of stuffing pasta shells is simpler than it sounds! When filling the shells, don’t overpack them, as they will expand while baking. Using a medium cookie scoop can help ensure even portions for effortless stuffing. Baking covered initially helps to retain moisture, while removing the foil midway allows the cheese to achieve that perfect, bubbly texture.