An Evening in Tuscany Pesto Stuffed Shells

Jumbo Pasta Shells with Italian Sausage Vodka Sauce, Ricotta, Pesto & Mozzarella

Using Milford Spice Company An Evening in Tuscany

These An Evening in Tuscany Pesto Stuffed Shells are rich, cozy, and full of Italian-inspired flavor. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with ricotta, provolone or fontina, and basil pesto, then baked in a San Marzano tomato vodka sauce with spicy Italian sausage, fresh mozzarella, and Milford Spice Company An Evening in Tuscany.

Ingredients

• 2 TBSP extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 lb. ground, spicy Italian sausage

• 2 (28 oz.) cans of San Marzano tomatoes

• 1/2 cup vodka

• 2 TBSP Milford Spice Company An Evening in Tuscany

• 1 lb jumbo pasta shells

• 16 oz. whole milk ricotta cheese

• 2 cups shredded provolone or fontina cheese

• 3/4 cup basil pesto

• 8 oz. fresh mozzarella, torn

• Fresh basil for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Sausage Vodka Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over high heat.

2. When the oil shimmers, add the sausage and brown all over, 5 to 8 minutes.

3. Reduce heat to low and add the tomatoes, vodka, Milford Spice Company An Evening in Tuscany , and a pinch each of salt and pepper.

4. Simmer for 20 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta Shells

1. While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.

2. Boil the pasta until al dente according to package directions.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Filling

1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, provolone or fontina, and 1/2 cup pesto.

2. Transfer the mix to a gallon size zip top bag and snip about a 1/2 inch off of one corner of the bag.

3. You can also just use a spoon to fill the shells.

Step 5: Assemble the Stuffed Shells

1. Spoon 3/4 of the red sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

2. Working with one pasta shell at a time, pipe about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture into each shell.

3. Place each filled shell into the baking dish as you go.

4. Spoon the remaining red sauce over top of the shells.

5. Drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup pesto evenly over everything.

6. Top with the fresh mozzarella.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

1. Transfer the baking dish to the oven.

2. Bake 30 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is lightly browned on top.

3. Cool 5 minutes before serving.

4. Serve with fresh basil.

Why This Recipe Works

These stuffed shells work because they layer creamy cheese filling, bright basil pesto, rich tomato vodka sauce, spicy Italian sausage, and melted mozzarella into one comforting baked pasta dish. Milford Spice Company An Evening in Tuscany adds garlic, herbs, and mild heat to the sauce, making the dish taste fuller without needing a long list of separate seasonings.

Make It Your Way

• For a milder version: use mild Italian sausage instead of spicy Italian sausage.

• For extra cheese: add more fresh mozzarella before baking.

• For more pesto flavor: drizzle a little extra pesto over the shells after baking.

• For easy filling: use a zip top bag with the corner snipped off to pipe the ricotta mixture into the shells.

What to Serve with An Evening in Tuscany Pesto Stuffed Shells

These stuffed shells pair well with garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted broccoli, green salad, sautéed zucchini, grilled vegetables, or a simple cucumber tomato salad. They are also hearty enough to serve on their own for a cozy pasta dinner.

More Ways to Use Milford An Evening in Tuscany

Milford Spice Company An Evening in Tuscany is useful beyond stuffed shells. Try it in pasta sauces, marinades, dressings, chicken dishes, pork, fish, roasted vegetables, or mixed with olive oil for a bread dip.

• Stir it into tomato sauce, vodka sauce, or creamy pasta sauce.

• Use it to season chicken, pork, fish, or vegetables.

• Mix it with olive oil for a quick bread dip.

• Add it to marinades or dressings for Italian-inspired flavor.

Allergen-Friendly Swaps

• Gluten-free: use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells and check the sausage, pesto, and cheese labels.

• Dairy-free: use dairy-free ricotta, dairy-free shredded cheese, and dairy-free mozzarella alternatives.

• Pork-free option: use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or a plant-based sausage alternative.

• Alcohol-free option: replace the vodka with additional tomato sauce or a splash of broth.

More Easy Pasta Dinner Ideas

Looking for more baked pasta recipes, stuffed shell ideas, or cozy Italian-inspired dinners? Pair this recipe with other pasta bakes, tomato sauce recipes, pesto dinners, and Milford Spice Company blends that make weeknight meals more flavorful.