These Make-Ahead Stuffed Shells Are Calling Your Name

Stuffed shells don’t get enough love. When you think of the combination of baked pasta, sauce, and cheese, your mind probably lands on lasagna, right? But stuffed shells are just as comforting and easy enough to throw together on a weeknight.

The best part of stuffed shells is how versatile they are. If you have the time to whip up a batch of homemade marinara sauce, make it! If you’re looking for a weeknight shortcut, use your favorite jarred sauce. This recipe calls for ground turkey and turkey sausage, but you could also use chicken sausage or pork sausage if that’s what you have on hand.

The real stars in the filing are the fresh herbs (basil, oregano, and thyme) and the mascarpone, which stands in for the usual ricotta to add a cool, creamy component. When baked with plenty of melted, golden-brown mozzarella, this is cozy cooking at its finest.

The author also notes that you can assemble these up to two days in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them off.

• Classic Stuffed Shells
  
• Post-Thanksgiving Stuffed Shells
  
• Lighter Stuffed Pasta Shells

→ Get the Recipe: Baked Turkey Sausage and Mascarpone Stuffed Shells from Spoon Fork Bacon