Sausage & Artichoke Stuffed Shells

The original recipe for this is from Giada de Laurentis & can be found here.  I changed it up to use chicken sausage in place of ground turkey.  This recipe makes enough to feed a crowd;  or make two casseroles & freeze one for later.  Here's my adapted recipe:

1-12 oz. box jumbo pasta shells                                             
3 T. olive oil
1 c. chopped onion
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 pound ground chicken sausage
1/2 t. kosher salt
1/4 t. freshly ground black pepper
1 package frozen artichoke hearts, thawed & coarsely chopped
1-15 oz. container ricotta cheese
3/4 c. grated Parmesan
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 c. chopped fresh basil leaves
2 T. chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
5 cups Marina sauce
1 1/2 c. grated mozzarella

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.  Add the pasta & partially cook, stirring occasionally, about 4-5 minutes.  Drain pasta.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.  Add the onions & garlic & cook until onions are soft, about 3 minutes.  Add the chicken sausage, salt & pepper & cook until chicken is cooked through.  Add the artichoke hearts & stir.  Remove from heat & let cool.

In a large bowl combine the cooled turkey mixture with the ricotta, Parmesan, eggs, basil & parsley & some salt & pepper.  Stir to combine.

Cover the bottom of a 9 x 13inch baking dish (or 2 smaller casseroles) with some of the Marina sauce.  Stuff the shells with a large spoonful of the turkey mixture.  Place the shells in the baking dish.  (I didn't use all of the shells).  Drizzle the remaining sauce over the shells & top with the mozzarella cheese.  If freezing, cover tightly with plastic wrap & place in the freezer for up to one month.

To bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  Bake until the shells are warmed through & the cheese is starting to brown, about 20 minutes (60 minutes if shells are frozen.)

NOTE:  For a quick homemade sauce, I used this recipe & doubled it.  I had enough leftover sauce to freeze for another use.

I am sharing  this with:
Full Plate Thursday
Foodie Friday
On the Menu Monday