Sausage-Stuffed Shells

• 1/3 pound bulk Italian sausage
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/3 cup 4% cottage cheese
• 3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons beaten egg
• 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh parsley
• 6 jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained
• Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

1. In a small saucepan, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Set half of the sausage aside for filling. Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, brown sugar and Italian seasoning to sausage in pan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. In a small bowl, combine the cottage cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, egg, parsley and reserved sausage. Stuff into shells. Spread 1/4 cup meat sauce in an ungreased 1-qt. shallow baking dish. Place stuffed shells in dish; drizzle with remaining meat sauce.
3. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese if desired. Bake, uncovered, at 350u0b0 for 20-25 minutes or until filling reaches 160u0b0.

italian sausage, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, brown sugar, italian seasoning, cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, beaten egg, parsley, pasta shells, parmesan cheese

Taken from www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/sausage-stuffed-shells/ (may not work)