Chorizo and Italian Sausage Stuffed Shells…

Anyone else feel like their tivo is on major overdrive?! American Idol Finale, The new Bachelorette Season and So You Think You Can Dance coming soon…..phew I hope I can keep up! Those are some of my very favorites, should be fun.

Stuffed shells are one of life’s greatest pleasures in my humble opinion. I could eat them all the time if my hips could handle them! This is a killer recipe for shells that my whole family loved. For the boys, I cut the shells up a bowl and they thought it was lasagna. Whatever works, right? This recipe feeds a small army, so freeze one batch for later, you’ll be glad you did! Enjoy.


A plate of Chorizo and Italian Sausage Stuffed Shells with a fork.

Chorizo and Italian Sausage Stuffed Shells

A comforting three-cheese pasta dish with chorizo and sweet Italian sausage.
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Print Pin

Ingredients

  • 2 boxes jumbo shells
  • 1 lb Sweet Italian Sausage
  • 1 lb chorizo
  • 1 clove garlic
  • pinch of red pepper flakes
  • 2 26 oz cans whole tomatoes pulsed in food processor until smooth
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach chopped
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 15 oz containers of Ricotta Cheese
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 egg
  • pinch of salt and fresh ground pepper
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Cook pasta shells according to package directions. Drain and set aside. I brush mine with olive oil to keep them from sticking.
  • Place chorizo and sausage into a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until browned and crumbled. Drain and return back to skillet. Stir in garlic over medium heat for 1 minute then add in red pepper flakes, tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer.
  • Place olive oil into a medium skillet over medium heat. Add in spinach and garlic; cook until wilted down. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Stir in Ricotta, Parmesan, Mozzarella, egg, salt, and pepper; mix well.
  • Spoon about 1/2 cup pasta sauce into the bottom of 2 9x13 inch baking dishes. Spoon ricotta filling (about 2 Tablespoons) into each cooked shell then place shells seam side down into baking dishes. I think I filled 2 9x13 inch baking dishes plus a 7x11 inch with this recipe. Top shells evenly with sauce then shredded cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and hot.

Notes

*The shells make great freezer meals*
Keywords: italian sausage, sausage pasta, stuffed shells

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Up next are some cookies that will knock your socks off! Come back soon, have a great week!

 

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33 Responses
  1. Sue Casey

    I made this last night and it was deeeelicious! My eight year old loved it so much she’s having some for breakfast this morning lol! She even helped me stuff the shells last night. Thank-you again 🙂

  2. Sue Casey

    Thank-you so much. I’m in a pinch for dinner tonight and was throwing together chorizo, tomato sauce and shells for my kids and your recipe popped up. I’m TOTALLY trying this and also subscribing to your blog 🙂

  3. Katie

    can you just cook one in an aluminum pan and then freeze it? then how do you warm it so it still tastes good?

  4. Jennifer

    I made this for my family tonight and it is an instant favorite! Thanks so much for sharing this one it is definitely going on my menu (and I even got my kids to eat spinach…but shhh they have no clue it was that lol) Loved It!!!!!

  5. Karie

    I made these for a potluck at work, and they were the first and only to go!!! EVERYONE asked for the recipe. Thanks so much for something soooo delicious. Making it again for Christmas Day

  6. Stephanie

    I made this tonight for my husband and younger brother…they LOVED IT!!!! Thanks so much!!!! This recipe is a keeper in our house 😀
    (I even caught my younger brother, who is 20, licking his plate…)

  7. Need Help!

    Thanks for the tip! I plan on making it this weekend if I have time to round up the ingredients will be easy to find. My husband is anxious for us to make it together. I will let you know how it comes out. Thank you for your fantastic receipes!

  8. Need help!

    Question for you: You can tell I dont cook much: do you have to chop the garlic in this receipe? And I love your site…awesome receipes!!

  9. Miranda

    have an award at my blog for you to recieve. Thank you so much for an amazing blog and giving me the courage to start my own.

  10. Elyse

    I’m so excited about the new Bachelorette!! These shells look like the perfect indulgency, by the way. AMAZING! I wish I could handle eating these all the time 🙂

  11. Katie's blog

    Between baseball, tball, the end of school, programs on tivo, and just life – an easy great meal is a priority. Those shells look great! I think I may have to try them this weekend!! I love chorizo!

  12. Kerstin

    Looks like perfect comfort food! I love the oozing melted cheese in all your pictures – yum!

  13. Carrian

    I had just decided to make shells sometime this week and then you posted this recipe! PERFECT! I also am excited for so you think you can dance. Chelsea from last season and from dancing with the stars is our neighbor so I feel all connected with those shows now/

  14. Aggie

    Oh stuffed shells are a favorite for sure! I love these sausage stuffed ones! Your pics are making me drool…:)

  15. skinnybovineskitchen

    these look yummy – i just posted some chicken and spinach-style stuffed shells on my blog but these look like a totally different flavor, texture, etc. yummy!!!

  16. carol

    What a combo! I love stuffed shells (easier to serve than lasagna and with all the same tastes) so this is a must-try soon.
    One for the table and one for the freezer…works for me for sure!

  17. Meghan

    These look awesome! I love stuffed shells! I always think they are time consuming – but these look like they might go quick!!!

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