Stuffed Jumbo Shells

This is a family favorite recipe and I have two recipes I like, one made with sausage and spinach and one made with ground beef. So, depending on your preference, you can choose your favorite. I like both! Tonight, we had the stuffed shells with sausage and spinach, so yummy! I love the jumbo shells.

There is just something about them, so hardy, substantial and satisfying! The recipe I use with ground beef is actually right on the box; you can use beef, pork or turkey and it's delicious. But tonight we had the shells stuffed with sausage and spinach.

Serves 4

16 - 18 jumbo pasta shells
1 pound fresh pork sausage
1 Tbsp. minced garlic
1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes or your favorite pasta sauce
1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeeze dry
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
salt and freshly ground pepper

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and fill a large bowl of cold water and ice, set aside.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta shells and cook according to package directions. Drain well, then add to ice water until ready to stuff.

3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork sausage, then use a wooden spoon to break up the sausage, cook 5-6 minutes until browned.

4. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds, then add tomatoes and spinach; cook 1 minute. Remove pan from heat and stir in ricotta cheese.

5. Using a spoon, fill pasta shells with pork filling and arrange in a baking dish (9-inch x 9-inch baking dish works well).

6. Sprinkle tops with shredded cheese, then bake in the oven 25-30 minutes until cheese has melted and tips of shells begin to crisp and brown.

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