Octo Dogs Shells

Dive into dinnertime fun with "Octo Dogs Shells," a whimsical and family-friendly recipe that combines comfort food with a touch of creativity. Jumbo pasta shells are stuffed with savory marinara sauce and playful “octopus” hot dogs—sliced to resemble tentacles—then topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a rich and satisfying bake. This easy and delicious dish is perfect for picky eaters or themed meals, offering a delightful presentation that’s sure to make kids smile. Ready in just 40 minutes, Octo Dogs Shells is a crowd-pleaser served straight from the oven, complete with optional parsley garnish for a fresh, colorful finish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or playful weekend feasts, this recipe brings charm and flavor to your table!

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 pieces jumbo pasta shells
• 6 pieces hot dogs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.

Step 2

Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions, typically about 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 3

While the pasta shells are cooking, prepare the hot dogs by cutting each hot dog in half lengthwise and then cutting each half into thin strips about 2 inches long. Leave the top 1/3 inch of the hot dog intact to create an octopus-like shape.

Step 4

In a large skillet, warm the marinara sauce over medium heat for 5 minutes or until heated through.

Step 5

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 6

Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.

Step 7

Stuff each cooked pasta shell with a spoonful of marinara sauce, reserving about 1 cup of the sauce for the dish. Place one prepared 'Octo Dog' into each shell, positioning the cut strips to fan out like legs.

Step 8

Arrange the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the reserved marinara sauce over the shells.

Step 9

Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the shells, followed by Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 11

Remove the dish from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.

Step 12

Serve warm and enjoy the playful presentation of Octo Dogs Shells!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	964.8 grams (964.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1531

Total Fat 114.10g	146%
Saturated Fat 44.10g	221%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 261mg	87%
Sodium 6777mg	295%
Total Carbohydrate 45.30g	16%
Dietary Fiber 5.00g	18%
Total Sugars 13.30g
Protein 66.90g	134%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1152mg	89%
Iron 6mg	32%
Potassium 43mg	1%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 69.6%

Protein: 18.1%

Carbs: 12.3%