Stuffed Shells Pasta Soup

Warm up with a bowl of delicious and nourishing stuffed pasta shell soup. Packed with rich flavors, this comforting meal is easy to prepare. The tender pasta shells, aromatic herbs, and a blend of ricotta and burrata cheeses create a satisfying dish perfect for chilly days. Whether you’re cozying up by the fireplace or need a quick weeknight dinner, this soup will hit the spot and become a family favorite.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes 

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ pound sweet Italian sausage, casing removed, about two sausage links
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 32 oz chicken broth, I use chicken bone broth
• 2 cups water
• Parmesan cheese rind or small piece of Parmesan, about 2 inches. (Substitute 2 tablespoons grated parmesan if you don’t have parmesan rind.)
• 4 cups jarred spaghetti sauce (I used Rao’s)
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• Kosher salt and ground black pepper
• 8 oz XL shell pasta
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, more for garnish
• Pinch salt
• 1 4-ounce ball burrata torn and served over soup
• ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes for garnish
• Fresh basil and parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside for garnishing.
2. In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil; heat over medium-high. 
3. Remove the sausage casing and sauté for 2-3 minutes until browned.
4. Add Italian seasoning, dried basil, and minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, stirring until the garlic becomes fragrant. 
5. Add tomato sauce and paste, crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, and water, stir to combine, and increase heat to high. Bring to a boil.
6. Cook pasta shells in a separate pot, drain, and rinse with cold water. Add pasta shells back to broth about 15 minutes before serving and reduce heat slightly. This time will vary based on the noodle brand, so read the box for cooking time.
7. Serve topped with a dollop of the ricotta cheese mixture, torn burrata, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Ciabatta Cheese Garlic Bread: The Perfect Companion

Enjoy the stuffed shells pasta soup with warm, cheesy ciabatta bread—the perfect pairing for a cozy meal. Whether dipping it into the soup or savoring it as a snack by the fire with a hot toddy, this ciabatta cheese bread will elevate your comfort food experience.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 ciabatta rolls
• 2 tablespoons crushed garlic
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Directions:

1. Cut ciabatta rolls in half, then into triangles.
2. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, heat the butter with garlic until melted.
3. Spread the garlic butter evenly over the bread slices.
4. Top each slice with shredded cheese and broil until the cheese is melted and golden.
5. Serve with soup or enjoy as a snack later.