Best Stuffed Shells I ever had made by my friend Nancy..recipe

**mollyrock** · 04-05-2007, 07:38 AM

They are great to make for a party. And the recipe makes 2 casseroles so you can freeze one for yourself and bring one to a party. I think the secret to how delicious they are is the cream cheese and the italian sausage. I will never use another recipe after having these...YUM! (Not low fat)

Cheese-Stuffed Shells

1 lb. sweet italian sausage
1 large onion, chopped
1 pkg. (10oz.) frozen, chopped spinach, cooked & well drained
1 pkg. (8oz.) cream cheese, softened
1 egg beaten
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup cottage cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
20 jumbo shell noodles, cooked & drained

Sauce:
1 can (29oz.) tomato sauce
1 Tblsp. dried, minced onion
1 1/2 tsp. each dried basil & parsley flakes
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. each sugar & oregano
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

In a skillet, brown sausage & onion; drain. (I pulse the sausage/onion mixture in my food processor just a few times so all the pieces are small & evenly chopped - it makes it easier to mix). Transfer to a large bowl. Stir in the spinach, cream cheese and egg. Add 1 cup mozzarella, all the cheddar, cottage cheese, parmesan, salt and pepper; mix well. Pour some sauce on the bottom of two baking dishes (recipe makes 2 casseroles). Stuff shells and arrange in baking dish. Add remaining sauce on top of shells. Cover and bake at 350 for 40 min. Uncover and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella. Return to oven and bake another 5 min. or until the cheese has melted