Easy Oven Baked Shotgun Shells Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

When you’re craving a hearty, satisfying dinner that’s both simple and flavorful, this oven baked shotgun shells recipe is exactly what you need. Loaded with cheesy sausage filling and baked to bubbly perfection, these pasta shells are a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make anytime.

this Recipe

Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this oven baked shotgun shells dish combines comfort and convenience. You’ll love how the tender pasta cups hold all that creamy goodness in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and creamy sausage and cheese filling that’s bursting with flavor.
• Easy to prepare and bake, perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
• Comfort food that feels indulgent but is made with simple ingredients.
• Great for leftovers and easy to reheat without losing texture.
• Customizable with your favorite cheese or sausage types for variety.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious oven baked shotgun shells:

• 1 pound jumbo pasta shells (shotgun shells)
• 12 ounces Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups marinara sauce, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories (approx.): 480 per serving

How to Make Shotgun Shells Recipe (Oven Baked)

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it apart until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Add minced garlic in the last minute and stir until fragrant. Remove from heat.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, cooked sausage with garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
5. Spoon about 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Stuff each cooked shell generously with the sausage and cheese mixture and arrange them open side up in the dish.
6. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.
8. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

Tips for the Best Results

• Be careful not to overcook the pasta shells; they should be al dente to hold the filling well.
• Remove sausage casings before cooking to create a crumbly filling that’s easy to mix.
• Use fresh garlic for a more vibrant flavor instead of garlic powder.
• Make this dish a day ahead and refrigerate; it reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
• Try swapping Italian sausage for ground turkey or plant-based sausage for different variations.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover oven baked shotgun shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

For longer storage, place the baked shells in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating using the oven method for the best texture and taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! You can substitute Italian sausage with ground beef, ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage option to suit your taste or dietary needs.

What if I don’t have jumbo pasta shells?

While jumbo shells are ideal because they hold the filling well, you can try using large pasta tubes like rigatoni. Just be aware that the filling quantity and baking time might slightly vary.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells available at most grocery stores. Double-check your marinara sauce and sausage ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free as well.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the stuffed shells up to a day in advance, keep them covered in the refrigerator, then bake them fresh when ready. This makes the recipe great for meal prep or entertaining.