pasta recipes

Stuffed Pasta Shells

A flavorful meat-based, Italian inspired stuffed shell entrée.

Prep: 25 min – Microwave: 14 min – Stand: 2 min

Pasta Ingredients:

12 to 16 uncooked dried jumbo pasta shells

Filling Ingredients:

1 tablespoon LAND O LAKES® Butter
1/3 cup chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh garlic
1/2 pound ground mild Italian sausage
1/2 pound ground turkey
1/8 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/8 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
8 ounces (2 cups) LAND O LAKES® Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
1 1/2 cups spaghetti sauce with mushrooms

Cook shells according to package directions. Drain; set aside.

Meanwhile, melt butter in 10-inch skillet until sizzling; add onion and garlic. Cook over medium heat until tender (3 to 4 minutes). Add turkey and sausage. Continue cooking until meat is browned (8 to 12 minutes); drain. Add basil, oregano and 1 cup cheese.

Spread 3/4 cup spaghetti sauce on bottom of ungreased 13×9-inch baking dish. Stuff cooked shells with meat mixture; place, meat- side down, in prepared pan. Pour remaining spaghetti sauce over shells; sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Cover with waxed paper; microwave on MEDIUM HIGH (80% power) 5 minutes. Turn dish. Microwave on MEDIUM HIGH until heated through and cheese is melted (5 to 6 minutes). Let stand 2 to 3 minutes before serving.


Oven Directions: Heat oven to 350°F. Prepare as directed above. Reserve remaining 1 cup cheese. Cover pasta with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through. Remove aluminum foil; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Continue baking, uncovered, until cheese is melted (4 to 6 minutes).

Tip: Reduce oven temperature to 325°F if using 13×9-inch glass baking dish. Baking time may need to be increased.

Make Ahead Directions:

Pasta shells can be filled and frozen separately. Prepare pasta shells as directed above. Place filled shells onto ungreased baking sheet; cover and freeze. When frozen, place shells into resealable plastic freezer bag; seal bag. Place bag in freezer. To bake shells, heat oven to 350°F. Continue assembling casserole with frozen shells, sauce and cheese as directed in oven directions. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until heated through.

Make Ahead Directions:

Prepare recipe as directed above. Place filled shells into ungreased 13×9-inch baking pan. Cover; freeze. To bake, heat oven to 350°F. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until casserole is heated through.

Makes 6 servings

Nutritional Info Per 1 Serving: Calories: 450, Fat: 25 g, Cholesterol: 85 mg, Sodium: 800 mg, Carbohydrates: 24 g, Dietary Fiber: 2 g, Protein: 26 g

This recipe created by Land O’Lakes.

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