Smoked Sausage-stuffed Pasta Shells

Smoked Sausage-stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Smoked Sausage-stuffed Pasta Shells is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of smoked sausage, cheese, and pasta. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

History

The origins of this recipe are not clear, but stuffed pasta shells have been a popular dish in Italian cuisine for many years. The addition of smoked sausage adds a unique and savory twist to this classic dish.

Ingredients

0.75 lb (340 g) of smoked sausage, chopped
30 – 36 jumbo macaroni shells
1 lb (454 g) of ricotta cheese
1 beaten egg
6 oz (170 g) of shredded mozzarella
0.5 cup of chopped parsley
0.25 cup of parmesan cheese
0.5 tsp of basil
0.5 tsp of oregano
1 jar of spaghetti sauce
0.33 cup of water

How to prepare

Prepare the shells according to the package directions.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
Combine the ricotta cheese and egg.
Add the mozzarella, parsley, Parmesan cheese, basil, and oregano.
Stir in the sausage.
Combine the spaghetti sauce and water in a small bowl.
Put 0.75 cup of the sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
Fill the shells with the sausage-cheese mixture and place them in the pan.
Pour the remaining sauce over the top.
Bake for 35 minutes or until the stuffed shells are heated through and the cheese melts.

Variations

You can add vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the cheese mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
For a spicy kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the pasta shells al dente so they hold their shape when stuffed.

- You can use any type of smoked sausage you prefer, such as kielbasa or andouille.

- Feel free to customize the seasonings in the cheese mixture to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Smoked Sausage-stuffed Pasta Shells with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Make sure to properly drain the cooked pasta shells before stuffing them to prevent excess moisture in the dish.

- Cover the baking dish with foil while baking to prevent the cheese from burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground sausage instead of chopped smoked sausage.

- Cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for ricotta cheese.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble the Smoked Sausage-stuffed Pasta Shells ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or basil before serving for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a glass of red wine, such as a Chianti or Merlot.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Smoked Sausage-stuffed Pasta Shells contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Smoked Sausage-stuffed Pasta Shells contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Smoked Sausage-stuffed Pasta Shells contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Smoked Sausage-stuffed Pasta Shells contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese) and eggs.

Summary

Smoked Sausage-stuffed Pasta Shells is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Smoked Sausage-stuffed Pasta Shells is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to please your family and friends. With a perfect balance of flavors and textures, this recipe is a winner for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately captivated. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha at her cozy cottage by the lake. As we sat on her porch sipping iced tea, Martha suddenly jumped up with excitement and disappeared into her kitchen.

A few moments later, she returned with a plate of steaming hot smoked sausage-stuffed pasta shells. The aroma alone was enough to make my mouth water. As I took my first bite, I knew I had to learn how to make this delicious dish.

Martha smiled as she watched me savor each bite. "Isn't it just divine?" she asked.

I nodded enthusiastically. "It's absolutely amazing. I've never tasted anything like it."

Martha's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Well, my dear, would you like me to teach you how to make it?"

I couldn't say yes fast enough. Martha was a wonderful cook, and I knew I would be in good hands learning from her.

And so, that summer afternoon, Martha patiently taught me how to make her smoked sausage-stuffed pasta shells. She explained that the recipe had been passed down to her from her own grandmother, who had learned it from a dear friend many years ago.

The key to the dish, Martha explained, was the smoked sausage. It added a rich, savory flavor that perfectly complemented the creamy cheese filling and tangy tomato sauce. As we worked together in the kitchen, Martha shared stories of her own grandmother and the many delicious meals she had cooked for her family over the years.

I listened intently, soaking up every word and every step of the recipe. It was a labor of love, but as we sat down to enjoy our meal that evening, I knew it was worth every minute.

From that day on, smoked sausage-stuffed pasta shells became a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on quiet evenings at home. Each time I made it, I thought of Martha and her grandmother, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

Over the years, I added my own touches to the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes. Sometimes I would use spicy sausage instead of smoked, or add fresh herbs from my garden to the cheese filling. Each variation brought its own unique flavor, but the heart of the dish remained the same.

As I grew older, I began teaching the recipe to my own grandchildren. They would gather around the kitchen table, eager to learn the secrets of making smoked sausage-stuffed pasta shells. I would tell them stories of Martha and her grandmother, passing down not just a recipe, but a piece of family history.

And so, the tradition continued, with each new generation adding their own twist to the beloved dish. It was a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to celebrate the simple joys of life.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the many years that have passed since that fateful summer day at Martha's cottage, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of cooking. It has brought me closer to friends and family, allowed me to share my love and creativity with others, and given me a sense of purpose and joy.

And so, I will continue to cook and share my recipes for as long as I am able, passing down the legacy of smoked sausage-stuffed pasta shells and all the stories that come with it. For in the end, it is not just about the food itself, but the love and memories that it represents.