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    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes

    Supreme Pizza Stuffed Shells

    May 9, 2022 by LaKita 28 Comments

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    These Supreme Pizza Stuffed Shells are a delicious pasta recipe that is inspired by supreme pizza and is quick and easy to make. Perfect weeknight meal!

    If you enjoy eating pasta, then you have to try my other pasta recipes. This Martha Stewart One-Pan Pasta is so simple to throw together or for another no-fuss dinner try my Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe, just three ingredients. 

    overhead view of white plate with supreme pizza stuffed shells on it beside a fork on marble surface.

    Spring has come and I can honestly say that it's finally beginning to feel like Spring is in the air. The weather is warming up, the days are longer, the pollen is out in full blast, and the grocery stores have so many wonderful seasonal ingredients that you cannot help but incorporate into your everyday dishes. I mean is it me or does produce just look so much better in the spring?

    One ingredient that I do find myself cooking with often is onion and even though you can find a good onion any time of year, during the spring Vidalia onions are sweeter and more abundant. So I often find myself using them in more dishes and of course, you already know that my favorite dish usually involves pizza.

    One such dish is these Supreme Pizza Stuffed Shells which are perfect to make on a weeknight when you have no clue what to prepare for your family. This dish is so quick to make that you can have it on the table and ready for your family is less than 45 minutes.

    Let's get started!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredient Notes
    • Instructions
    • Freezer Meal Prep
    • Recipe Tips
    • Storage
    • Recipe
    • MORE RECIPES YOU'LL LOVE:

    Ingredient Notes

    overhead view of stuffed shells in separate bowls on marble surface
    1. Jumbo Pasta Shells - You can buy any brand that you prefer, and then cook it according to the instructions on the box. These are basically jumbo/big macaroni pasta shells, and kids will go nuts for them! 
    2. Italian Sausage - You can cook up your sausage in a skillet until it is fully cooked and crumbled. If you don't want to use Italian sausage, then you can easily use ground beef instead. 
    3. Garlic and Onion - These two ingredients together provide such powerful flavor that really elevates the stuffing that goes in the pasta shells.
    4. Green Bell Pepper - This is the ingredient that is a staple on every supreme pizza. However, if you prefer, then you can leave this ingredient out. 
    5. Pepperoni - You can cut up whole pepperoni round pieces into quarters or look in your local grocery store for mini pepperoni instead. They are small and perfect for being a topper for these pizza shells.
    6. Pasta Sauce - If you enjoy making homemade sauce go right ahead or use whatever brand of sauce that you like. For busy weeknights, I find that store-bought works just as good and requires minimal prep. 
    7. Mozzarella Cheese - You want to use shredded cheese for this. Grab classic or low-fat and it will provide the perfect cheesy twist to the pasta shells you are looking for.

    Instructions

    Begin the recipe by cooking the jumbo shells pasta according to the package directions. Try not to overcook the pasta and once it has finished, carefully drain the shell pasta from the water and set it aside. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

    In a large skillet over medium-high heat add the diced onion and salt. Cook and stir constantly for 1 minute. Add in the ground Italian sausage, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and green bell pepper. Cook until the onion is translucent and the sausage is cooked thoroughly. Stir in the quartered or mini pepperoni. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese.

    skillet with stuffing mixture for pasta shells

    Grab the jumbo shells and fill each one with the sausage mixture and place in an 8x8-inch square baking dish with the open seam side down. Using plastic glove covered hands makes this process much easier.

    stuffed pasta shells in white baking dish

    Evenly top the shells with the pasta sauce and the rest of the pepperoni.

    pasta shells covered with pasta sauce and pepperoni in baking dish

    Spread the 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, cover with aluminum foil, and bake covered for 20 to 25 minutes.

    shredded cheese spread on top of pasta in white baking dish

    Carefully remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is hot and bubbly. Remove the stuffed shells from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy!

    overhead view of finished pasta in square white baking dish

    Freezer Meal Prep

    Did you know that you can freeze this as a freezer meal? You would prep the pizza stuffed shells and place them in a freezer friendly baking dish. I like to use disposable aluminum style containers. Then wrap in two layers of foil to protect from freezer burn. 

    You can freeze for 2 to 3 months. When you are ready to cook, simply leave covered in one layer of the aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees F. Bake for 45 minutes, and then uncover, and finish baking for another 20 to 30 minutes or until the pasta shells are warmed all the way through.

    Recipe Tips

    Here are a few helpful tips to help set you up for success when it comes to making these cheesy pizza stuffed shells. 

    • Since you will bake the pasta shells once they have been stuffed, I recommend cooking your pasta just until it is al dente. That way when you finish the shells off in the oven they do not overcook and become soft. 
    • Feel free to flavor your shells with any of your favorite pizza toppings. Black olives, Canadian bacon, or any other favorite toppings that you prefer. 
    • The key to these shells when you are dicing up the veggies is to make sure they are small and uniform in size. This will ensure that they bake up properly and are not overly large in size when eating. 

    Storage

    These supreme pizza stuffed shells can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. Just reheat in the microwave or in the oven. If you heat your pasta in the oven, cover the pan to prevent the shells from drying out. 

    You can also freeze the stuffed pizza shells for 2 to 3 months. Place in a freezer-friendly container that is airtight. Then thaw in the fridge the night before you plan to eat them or reheat the shells from frozen. Note that the pasta will be softer once it reheats from being frozen.

    Recipe

    serving of stuffed shells on white plate with a fork.

    Supreme Pizza Stuffed Shells

    LaKita Anderson
    These Supreme Pizza Stuffed Shells are a delicious pasta recipe that is inspired by supreme pizza and is quick and easy to make. The perfect weeknight meal!
    5 from 10 votes
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    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 40 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 640 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 20 jumbo pasta shells
    • ⅓ cup onion, diced
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ½ pound ground Italian sausage (mild or hot)
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • ½ cup green bell pepper, diced
    • 4 ounces pepperoni, quartered and divided
    • 1 cup pasta sauce
    • 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

    Instructions
     

    • Begin the recipe by cooking the 20 jumbo shells pasta according to the package directions. Try not to overcook the pasta and once it has finished, carefully drain the shells pasta from the water and set it aside. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
    • In a large skillet over medium-high heat add the ⅓ cup diced onion and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook and stir constantly for 1 minute. Add in the ½ pound ground Italian sausage (mild or hot), 2 cloves minced garlic, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, and ½ cup green bell pepper.
    • Cook until the onion is translucent and the sausage is cooked thoroughly. Stir in 2 ounces of the quartered or mini pepperoni. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
    • Grab the 20 cooked jumbo shells and fill each one with the sausage mixture and place in an 8x8-inch square baking dish with the open seam side down. Using plastic glove covered hands makes this process much easier.
    • Evenly top the shells with the pasta sauce and the rest of the 2 ounces of pepperoni.
    • Spread the 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, cover with aluminum foil, and bake covered for 20 to 25 minutes.
    • Carefully remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is hot and bubbly. Remove the stuffed shells from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy!
    • Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Just reheat in the microwave or in the oven. If you heat your pasta in the oven, cover the pan to prevent the shells from drying out. 

    Notes

    • Since you will bake the pasta shells once they have been stuffed, I recommend cooking your pasta just until it is al dente. That way when you finish the shells off in the oven they do not overcook and become soft. 
    • Feel free to flavor your shells with any of your favorite pizza toppings. Black olives, Canadian bacon, or any other favorite toppings that you prefer. 
    • The key to these shells when you are dicing up the veggies is to make sure they are small and uniform in size. This will ensure that they bake up properly and are not overly large in size when eating.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 640kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 29gFat: 41gSaturated Fat: 17gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 104mgSodium: 1565mgPotassium: 585mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 623IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 256mgIron: 3mg

    *All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods and portion sizes per household.

    Keyword pizza stuffed shells
    Tried this recipe?Mention @SimplyLaKita or tag #SimplyLakita

    Original post date 03/28/2016. Updated 05/09/2022.

    close up side view of stuffed shells in white baking dish with serving spoon

    MORE RECIPES YOU'LL LOVE:

    • Homemade Supreme Pizza
    • Easy Pizza Bowls
    • Homemade Pizza Crust
    • Cheesy Supreme Pizza Rolls

    Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ways to use these Supreme Pizza Stuffed Shells? Please share them in the comments below!


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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jamala

      March 29, 2016 at 11:07 am

      I've got to make this. .it's been a long time since I've had them. . Thanks for sharing

      Reply
      • admin

        March 29, 2016 at 2:38 pm

        Thank you! Yes they are so easy and delicious to make 🙂

        Reply
      • Laura

        May 15, 2022 at 5:06 am

        5 stars
        This recipes is absolutely amazing for the whole family. Our fussy toddler had seconds so we are definitely making this again soon!

        Reply
        • LaKita

          May 17, 2022 at 11:48 am

          Thank you so much Laura, so happy to hear it's toddler approved 😉

          Reply
    2. Tamara

      March 29, 2016 at 12:11 pm

      I love that sauce and I cook with it often. Stuffed shells are one of my favorite foods. The cheese looks so fresh on your shells!

      Reply
      • admin

        March 29, 2016 at 2:38 pm

        Thank you! I love this sauce too and you can never have too much cheese 🙂

        Reply
    3. Akaleistar

      March 29, 2016 at 7:41 pm

      I love pizza, and those stuffed shells look amazing 🙂

      Reply
      • admin

        March 30, 2016 at 8:01 am

        Thank you! I love pizza too 🙂

        Reply
    4. Sonya

      April 26, 2016 at 12:51 pm

      These look delicious. It looks like a meal that my husband would like since it has meat and cheese.

      Reply
      • admin

        April 26, 2016 at 4:11 pm

        Thank you! Yes he will probably really enjoy these and they are very easy to make and I would try them using the homemade roasted tomato sauce from your blog 🙂

        Reply
    5. Sophia

      May 10, 2022 at 9:50 pm

      5 stars
      I love stuffed shells. The pepperoni was a great addition, my kids loved it. Thanks!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        May 12, 2022 at 11:09 am

        Thank you so much Sophia!

        Reply
    6. Allyssa

      May 11, 2022 at 4:39 am

      5 stars
      Our new favorite! Super loved the outcome of this recipe, it tasted so delicious and very flavorful! Highly recommended!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        May 12, 2022 at 11:09 am

        Thank you so much Allyssa, happy to hear it!

        Reply
    7. Jessica

      May 11, 2022 at 9:48 pm

      These pizza stuffed shells were a huge hit with my family! As a single mama, I really appreciated that the prep time was so minimal. Since there are so many different combinations of pizza toppings to stuff the shells with this recipe will never grow tired. I'm definitely adding it to our weeknight dinner rotation.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        May 12, 2022 at 11:10 am

        Thank you so much Jessica! I'm a single mom as well and I completely understand the need to feed your family in minutes 😉

        Reply
    8. Raksha Kamat

      May 12, 2022 at 2:41 am

      5 stars
      Thanks for sharing Supreme Pizza Stuffed Shells. Will be making it for weeknight meals.
      Loved the tip to reheat in the microwave or in the oven by covering the pan to prevent the shells from drying out.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        May 12, 2022 at 11:11 am

        Thank you so much, glad to hear that you enjoyed the reheating tips!

        Reply
    9. veenaazmanov

      May 12, 2022 at 10:12 pm

      5 stars
      A meal my family will love. Weekend Dinner will be special. Thanks

      Reply
      • LaKita

        May 17, 2022 at 11:47 am

        Thank you so much!!

        Reply
    10. Amy Casey

      May 13, 2022 at 2:21 pm

      5 stars
      Definitely a 5 star recipe! I made this for guests and everyone loved it. The addition of the pepperoni is genius!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        May 17, 2022 at 11:47 am

        Thank you so much Amy!

        Reply
    11. Sharon

      May 13, 2022 at 5:19 pm

      5 stars
      These pasta shells have all the delicious ingredients that go on one of my favorite pizzas! So good and very hearty.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        May 17, 2022 at 11:48 am

        Thank you Sharon!! Definitely hearty and filling 🙂

        Reply
    12. Claire

      May 15, 2022 at 10:23 am

      5 stars
      I think this might be a new family favorite! Everyone loved it and there was a single bit of leftovers!
      We loved the recipe! Can't wait to make it again.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        May 17, 2022 at 11:49 am

        Happy to hear it was enjoyed by you and your family, thank you Claire!

        Reply
    13. Amy

      May 15, 2022 at 11:16 am

      5 stars
      This quickly won over my pizza loving family. Such a creative and delicious recipe!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        May 17, 2022 at 11:49 am

        Happy to hear that Amy, thank you!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm LaKita, a food blogger living in Northwest/Panhandle Florida. I love creating and sharing recipes that are simple to make and comforting to eat. Follow me for more delicious recipes.

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