The Perfect Skillet Stuffed Pasta Delight Recipe for Cozy Nights

Skillet stuffed pasta delight brings comfort and culinary creativity to your dinner table, promising a delectable twist on traditional meal preparation.

Imagine a single pan filled with layers of rich, savory ingredients melding together in perfect harmony.

Mediterranean and Italian influences shine through this impressive dish that looks complex but comes together with surprising ease.

Warm, inviting aromas will soon fill your kitchen, tempting everyone nearby with promises of a hearty, satisfying meal.

Crispy edges and tender interiors create a textural experience that delights both experienced cooks and casual food enthusiasts.

Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor make this recipe a smart choice for busy households seeking something special.

You can appreciate how quickly this crowd-pleasing dish comes together with just a few strategic ingredients and techniques.

Explore this mouthwatering culinary adventure that reinvents ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Skillet Stuffed Pasta Q&A

• Can I use a different type of pasta instead of shells?

Yes, you can substitute shells with jumbo pasta tubes or large manicotti shells. Just ensure they are large enough to stuff with the ricotta mixture.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace the sausage with plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu. You can also add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for more flavor and protein.

• Can I prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can stuff the shells and prepare the sauce separately, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, combine in the skillet and cook as directed.

• What if I don't have fresh oregano?

No problem. You can use dried oregano instead. Just use about 1/3 of the amount of fresh herbs, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

Perks of Skillet Stuffed Pasta

• Packed with savory sausage, rich tomato sauce, and creamy ricotta, this one-skillet meal delivers intense, layered taste sensations that dance across your palate.
• This recipe transforms complex stuffed shells into a simple, streamlined cooking process where everything happens in one skillet, reducing dishes and cooking time while maximizing deliciousness.
• Easy to adapt for different dietary preferences by swapping sausage types, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra vegetables, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Experience the delightful contrast between tender pasta shells, creamy cheese filling, hearty meat sauce, and slight crispiness from cooking in the skillet, creating a mouthwatering sensory experience.

What You’ll Need for Skillet Stuffed Pasta

• Large Pasta Shells: Provide the main vessel for stuffing, perfect for holding creamy fillings and sauce.

• Italian Sausage, Ground Beef: Rich meat base that adds deep flavor and hearty texture to the dish.
• Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatics that build a robust flavor foundation.

• Tomato Paste: Concentrates the sauce with rich tomato depth and helps thicken the mixture.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a smooth, light liquid base for the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning, Chili Powder, Sugar: Balanced spice blend that adds complexity and rounds out flavors.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing overall taste.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy, soft cheese that provides a smooth filling texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty notes and helps bind the filling.
• Egg White: Helps bind the cheese filling and provides structure.
• Fresh Oregano: Brings a bright, herbal note to the cheese mixture.

Steps for Making Skillet Stuffed Pasta

Step 1: Kickstart the Pasta Preparation

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt to enhance the flavor. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Carefully drop the pasta shells into the bubbling water. Let them dance around for 8-9 minutes until they’re just shy of perfect tenderness. Drain the shells and give them a quick cold water shower to halt the cooking process. Set them aside to cool.

Step 2: Sizzle the Sausage

Warm up a spacious nonstick skillet over medium heat. Crumble the sausage into the pan, breaking it into small, appetizing pieces. Let it sizzle and brown for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Awaken the Aromatics

Toss the chopped onions into the skillet with the sausage. Let them soften and become translucent, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and let it release its magical aroma for another minute.

Step 4: Craft the Flavorful Sauce

• Italian seasoning
• Chili powder
• Sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 5-6 minutes, tasting and adjusting the flavors as you go.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Chopped oregano
• Egg white
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly until the filling is smooth and well-combined.

Step 6: Stuff and Assemble

Carefully spoon the creamy filling into each pasta shell. Gently place the stuffed shells into the simmering sauce in the skillet. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese on top.

Step 7: Final Cooking Magic

Cover the skillet and let the shells cook for 6-8 minutes. The cheese inside will melt into a gooey, delicious center while the sauce continues to develop its rich flavors.

Serve hot and enjoy your dish.

Skillet Stuffed Pasta Cooking Tips

• Pasta Perfection: Boil shells just shy of al dente to prevent overcooking when baked in the skillet, ensuring a tender, not mushy texture.
• Sausage Sizzle: Break down sausage into small, uniform pieces while cooking to distribute flavor evenly and create a more cohesive filling.
• Flavor Layering: Allow tomato paste to caramelize briefly before adding broth to intensify the sauce's depth and richness.
• Cheese Technique: Mix ricotta filling thoroughly and use a small spoon or piping bag for neat, even stuffing of pasta shells.
• Melting Magic: Let stuffed shells simmer gently in sauce, covered, to help cheese melt completely and infuse flavors throughout the dish.

Storage and Reheat Tips for Skillet Stuffed Pasta

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled stuffed shells to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the pasta and sauce together to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or container, storing for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave at 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent drying out. Alternatively, bake in a preheated 350°F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.

What Goes Well with Skillet Stuffed Pasta

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Complement the rich, savory sausage and tomato sauce with a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese, which cuts through the creamy cheese and enhances the dish's hearty flavors.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Balance the heavy pasta shells with a light, zesty side salad featuring arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette to refresh the palate between bites.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Create the perfect accompaniment by toasting crusty Italian bread with garlic, butter, and parsley, allowing diners to soak up the delicious sauce and add extra texture to the meal.
• Finish with Tiramisu: End the dining experience with a classic Italian dessert that offers a smooth, coffee-infused sweetness to contrast the savory and spicy notes of the stuffed pasta dish.

Flavor Options for Skillet Stuffed Pasta

• Spicy Sausage Shell Adventure: Replace Italian seasoning with smoked paprika and add red pepper flakes for a fiery kick. Swap chicken broth with tomato sauce for deeper flavor intensity.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese into ricotta mixture. Add chopped fresh basil and spinach for a vibrant green color and earthy Mediterranean profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Substitute sausage with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Mix in roasted bell peppers and zucchini for extra texture and nutritional value. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Creamy Mushroom Comfort: Sauté sliced mushrooms with onions and garlic. Replace tomato paste with cream cheese for a rich, velvety sauce. Sprinkle fresh thyme and parsley on top for an aromatic finish.

Skillet Stuffed Pasta Delight Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired Skillet Stuffed Pasta Delight brings comfort and flavor straight from Italian kitchens to your dinner table. Melted cheese, rich herbs, and succulent fillings create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Pasta and Protein:

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 pound loose sweet Italian sausage

Cheese and Filling Ingredients:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese (for topping)
• 1 large egg white
• 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 small yellow onion, chopped finely
• 3 cloves of garlic, finely minced
• ⅓ cup tomato paste
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 pinch of chili powder
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of salted water and submerge pasta shells, cooking until they reach a slightly firm texture, approximately 8-9 minutes. Quickly drain and rinse with cold water to halt further cooking, then set shells aside.
2. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium temperature and crumble sausage, cooking until it transforms into a rich brown color and nearly completes its cooking process, methodically breaking apart the meat during preparation.
3. Introduce finely chopped onions into the skillet, allowing them to soften and become translucent. Incorporate minced garlic and briefly sauté to release its aromatic essence.
4. Integrate tomato paste into the sausage mixture, stirring until the color deepens and develops a robust flavor profile. Gradually incorporate chicken broth, creating a harmonious sauce consistency.
5. Enhance the sauce with Italian seasoning, chili powder, and a touch of sugar. Season with salt and black pepper, then reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer, developing depth and complexity.
6. Create a creamy filling by blending ricotta cheese, parmesan, chopped oregano, egg white, and a subtle seasoning of salt and pepper until thoroughly combined.
7. Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the prepared cheese mixture, ensuring an even distribution of the filling.
8. Gently nestle the stuffed shells into the simmering sauce within the skillet. Sprinkle additional parmesan cheese across the top and cover, allowing the cheese to melt and shells to heat through completely.
9. Remove from heat when the filling becomes warm and cheese appears completely melted, creating a harmonious union of flavors and textures.

Notes

• Pasta shells cook quickly, so watch carefully to maintain that perfect al dente texture without becoming mushy.
• Sausage selection matters: choose a high-quality ground sausage with robust flavor for the best results.
• Ricotta filling adds creamy richness and helps bind the ingredients inside each pasta shell.
• Simmer sauce on low heat to develop deeper, more complex flavors and prevent burning.
• Parmesan cheese provides a salty, nutty finish that elevates the entire dish’s taste profile.
• One-skillet method means fewer dishes and a streamlined cooking process with maximum flavor impact.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 340
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg