Stuffed Shells with Sausage and Spinach

Photo Credit: http://www.inspiredtaste.net

Stuffed Shells with Sausage and Spinach

Original Recipe: http://www.inspiredtaste.net/8712/stuffed-shells-with-sausage-and-spinach-recipe/


Ingredients:

•     16-18 jumbo pasta shells
•     1 pound fresh pork sausage links, casing removed
•     1 tablespoon minced garlic
•     1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
•     1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeeze dry
•     1/2 cup ricotta cheese
•     1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
•     salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and fill a large bowl with cold water and ice, set aside. 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.
2. 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.
3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds then add tomatoes and spinach (make sure the thawed frozen spinach has been squeezed dry); cook 1 minute. Remove pan from heat and stir in ricotta cheese.
4. Using a spoon, fill pasta shells with pork filling and arrange in a baking dish (9-inch x 9-inch baking dish works well). 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.