This Oven Baked 3-Ingredient Sausage Stuffed Shells recipe proves that a handful of simple ingredients can create an incredibly satisfying meal. Tender jumbo pasta shells are filled with savory Italian sausage and plenty of melted mozzarella, then baked until hot, bubbly, and golden. The result is a comforting, family-friendly dinner that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Italian restaurant.

Oven Baked 3-Ingredient Sausage Stuffed Shells

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Jumbo pasta shells (dry)	24 shells
Italian sausage, casings removed (mild or hot)	1½ pounds
Shredded mozzarella cheese, divided	4 cups

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the jumbo shells and cook them 1–2 minutes less than the package directions so they remain slightly firm.

Tip: Slightly undercooking the shells helps them hold their shape while stuffing and prevents them from becoming too soft during baking.

Step 3: Drain and Cool

Drain the cooked shells in a colander and rinse briefly under cool water to stop the cooking process. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet or large plate so they don’t stick together.

Step 4: Brown the Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook for 7–10 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles as it browns. Once fully cooked, drain most of the excess grease, leaving just a small amount for moisture.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the sausage to cool for several minutes. Stir in 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella until the cheese begins to melt and combines evenly with the sausage.

Step 6: Fill the Shells

Using a spoon, generously stuff each cooked pasta shell with the sausage and cheese mixture. Arrange the filled shells snugly in a single layer inside the prepared baking dish.

Step 7: Add the Remaining Cheese

Evenly sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella over the stuffed shells, covering the tops with a generous layer of cheese.

Step 8: Bake and Rest

Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbling, and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the shells rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.

Serve hot and enjoy this easy, cheesy pasta dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any night you want a comforting homemade meal with minimal effort.