Description
This Smoked Shotgun Shells recipe features large pasta shells stuffed with a savory sausage filling, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheddar cheese, all cooked slowly in a smoker to infuse a rich, smoky flavor. Perfect as a comforting American main course with a unique twist on stuffed pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Stuffing
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Pasta & Topping
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Smoking
- Wood chips for smoking (hickory or applewood recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker: Set your smoker to 225°F to prepare for slow cooking the stuffed shells with smoky flavor.
- Cook the pasta shells: Boil pasta shells according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly so they can be filled easily.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the stuffing mixture: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables, ground sausage, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Stuff the shells: Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the sausage mixture and arrange them in a greased baking dish, ensuring they fit snugly.
- Add sauce and cheese: Pour marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top for a delicious, melty finish.
- Smoke the stuffed shells: Place the baking dish inside the preheated smoker. Smoke for 1 hour, or until the sausage is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Remove from the smoker and serve hot, enjoying the deep smoky flavors infused in this hearty stuffed pasta dish.
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, soak wood chips for 30 minutes before adding to the smoker.
- You can substitute ground turkey for sausage for a lighter option.
- Use a mixture of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a creamier texture.
