Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells

Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells combine rich, cheesy goodness with smoky, savory flavors for the ultimate baked pasta dish. Smoked on the Traeger, this dish takes classic stuffed shells to a whole new level, infusing them with a subtle wood-fired taste. Stuffed with ricotta, mozzarella, and Italian sausage, then baked in marinara sauce and topped with melty cheese, this is comfort food at its finest!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Smoky and cheesy – The Traeger enhances the flavors with a subtle wood-fired taste.
• Perfect for gatherings – A great make-ahead dish for family dinners or special occasions.
• Rich Italian flavors – A combination of sausage, ricotta, and marinara makes every bite delicious.
• Customizable – Use different cheeses, meats, or sauces to make it your own.
• Baked to perfection – The Traeger creates a golden, bubbly cheese topping.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Filling:

• 1 box jumbo pasta shells
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for extra smoky depth)

Toppings:

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Traeger

1. Set your Traeger to 325°F and let it preheat for about 15 minutes. Use hickory, oak, or cherry wood pellets for a rich, smoky flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

2. Boil the shells – Cook jumbo pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and let cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

3. Brown the sausage – In a skillet over medium heat, cook Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Mix the cheeses – In a large bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
5. Add the sausage – Stir the cooked sausage into the cheese mixture.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

6. Fill the shells – Spoon the cheese and sausage mixture into each cooked pasta shell.
7. Prepare the baking dish – Spread half the marinara sauce in a cast-iron skillet or aluminum pan. Arrange the stuffed shells on top.
8. Add more sauce – Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells.

Step 5: Smoke the Cheesy Shells

9. Place on the Traeger – Put the dish on the smoker and cook for 30–40 minutes, until bubbly.
10. Add the cheese topping – Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the shells. Close the lid and cook for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

11. Let it rest – Remove from the smoker and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
12. Garnish with fresh basil – Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, smoky goodness!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6–8
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50–55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version – Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes.
• Meatless Option – Substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
• Alfredo Shells – Swap marinara for Alfredo sauce and add shredded chicken.
• Four-Cheese Shells – Use ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan.
• Keto-Friendly – Use zucchini slices or eggplant instead of pasta shells.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 15 minutes, or microwave in short bursts.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked shells in a dish covered with plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F for 50 minutes.

FAQs

What’s the best wood for smoking stuffed shells?

Hickory, cherry, and oak provide a nice balance of smokiness without overpowering the flavors.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the shells and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before smoking.

Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?

Yes! Ground beef or turkey can replace sausage, but consider adding extra seasoning.

How do I prevent the shells from drying out?

Cover the dish loosely with foil for the first 30 minutes of smoking to retain moisture.

Can I cook this in a regular oven?

Absolutely! Bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes, then broil for a crispy top.

How can I make this extra creamy?

Mix in a little heavy cream or extra ricotta cheese before stuffing the shells.

Do I need a cast-iron skillet?

No, but a cast-iron skillet helps retain heat and enhances the smoky flavor. A baking dish or aluminum pan works too.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the filling.

What should I serve with this dish?

Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables complement the shells perfectly.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a larger baking dish and increase the cook time by about 10 minutes.

Conclusion

Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells are a smoky, cheesy, and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy ricotta, savory sausage, marinara, and melty cheese makes this a meal the whole family will love. Fire up your Traeger and enjoy this delicious twist on classic stuffed shells!

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