Savory Porcupine Stuffed Shells
If you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, look no further than these savory porcupine stuffed shells. They're made with just a few simple ingredients, and they can be cooked in the air fryer in under 20 minutes. The shells are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground pork, vegetables, and cheese, and they're sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
The origins of porcupine meatballs are a bit murky, but they're thought to have originated in Italy. The name comes from the way the meatballs are cooked, which is by browning them in a skillet and then simmering them in a tomato sauce. This gives the meatballs a crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior. Over time, the recipe for porcupine meatballs has evolved, and today there are many different variations on the dish. Some recipes call for using ground beef instead of pork, and others add different vegetables or spices to the meatball mixture. No matter how you make them, porcupine meatballs are a delicious and easy weeknight meal.
Savory Porcupine Stuffed Shells Savory Porcupine Stuffed Shells Savory Porcupine Stuffed Shells Savory Porcupine Stuffed Shells
Prep time: 20 | Cook time: 20 | Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 12 jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup grated paleo-friendly Parmesan cheese
Instructions
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Cook the pasta shells according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, brown the ground pork over medium heat. Add the onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and sun-dried tomatoes (if using). Cook until the vegetables are softened.
  4. Stir in the parsley, Parmesan cheese, and any desired seasonings.
  5. Fill each pasta shell with the pork mixture.
  6. Place the stuffed shells in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and the shells are crispy.
  7. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Why It Works
  • The air fryer cooks the pasta shells quickly and evenly, resulting in a crispy exterior and a tender interior.
  • The combination of ground pork, vegetables, and cheese provides a flavorful and satisfying filling.
  • The addition of sun-dried tomatoes adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to the dish.
  • The parsley and Parmesan cheese add freshness and richness to the filling.