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Deluxe Pizza Stuffed Shells | Classic stuffed shells meet deluxe pizza in this fusion of Italian meals... they're easy to make, freezer friendly, and great for families! | http://thechunkychef.com
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Freezer-Friendly Deluxe Pizza Stuffed Shells

Classic stuffed shells meet deluxe pizza in this fusion of Italian meals... they're easy to make, freezer friendly, and great for families!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Servings: 4 -6 servings
Author: The Chunky Chef

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb sausage
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion minced
  • 1/2 green bell pepper minced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup mini pepperoni plus extra for topping
  • 16 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning plus additional for topping
  • 1 1/2 tsp fresh basil minced
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • Box of jumbo pasta shells
  • 26 oz jar pasta sauce
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
  • Minced fresh parsley and basil for garnish

Instructions

  • Boil jumbo pasta shells according to package directions, minus 1-2 minutes. You want them a little bit undercooked since they'll continue cooking in the oven.
  • Drain shells and let cool a bit.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and spray a 9x13" baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
  • Heat a large skillet over MED heat and brown sausage. Use spatula or potato masher to finely crumble the sausage as it browns.
  • The last few minutes of cooking the sausage, add onions, green pepper and garlic.
  • Drain in a colander.
  • To a mixing bowl, add ricotta cheese, cooked sausage, onions, green pepper, garlic, pepperoni, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning and basil.
  • Spread about 1/3 cup of the pasta sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  • Use a spoon to fill pasta shells with cheese mixture, then place shells in baking dish.
  • Top with remaining pasta sauce and sprinkle with final 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
  • Add some additional mini pepperoni slices, and sprinkle with a bit of Italian seasoning.
  • If freezing, at this point, cover tightly and freeze.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbling.
  • Garnish with grated Parmesan and minced fresh herbs.

Notes

1. Recipe adapted from Plain Chicken
2. To bake from frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed in recipe.