In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium-high heat and saute the sausage until golden brown, stirring to break up the pieces, about 6 minutes. Add half of the onions and the eggplant, season with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, or until the vegetables are lightly caramelized and very soft. Add 1 tablespoon garlic and cook for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and transfer to a large bowl to cool.
When the mixture has cooled to room temperature, stir in the ricotta or mascarpone cheese, spinach, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, and sugar. Stir to combine well.
Lightly grease a deep 9 by 13-inch casserole or lasagna pan and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells until just al dente, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold running water. Pat shells dry. Stuff the pasta shells with the sausage-eggplant mixture and place in the prepared casserole dish.
In a large saucepan, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium high heat and saute the remaining chopped onions until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the remaining tablespoon of garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper and cook for 5 minutes. Add the heavy cream and cook until the sauce is reduced in volume by about 1/3, about 20 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Add the basil to the sauce and pour the sauce over the shells in the casserole. Sprinkle with the fontina cheese and the remaining Parmesan. Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking until the sauce is lightly browned in spots and bubbly around the edges, about 15 minutes longer. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

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Nutrition Facts

Per Serving Per 100 g

Amount Per 1 Serving
Calories	764.1 Kcal (3199 kJ)
Calories from fat	413.65 Kcal
		% Daily Value*
Total Fat	45.96g	71%
Cholesterol	147.04mg	49%
Sodium	1376.36mg	57%
Potassium	635.02mg	14%
Total Carbs	55.81g	19%
Sugars	6.02g	24%
Dietary Fiber	7.92g	32%
Protein	32.53g	65%
Vitamin C	12.8mg	21%
Iron	2mg	11%
Calcium	442.1mg	44%

Amount Per 100 g
Calories	221.1 Kcal (926 kJ)
Calories from fat	119.69 Kcal
		% Daily Value*
Total Fat	13.3g	71%
Cholesterol	42.55mg	49%
Sodium	398.26mg	57%
Potassium	183.75mg	14%
Total Carbs	16.15g	19%
Sugars	1.74g	24%
Dietary Fiber	2.29g	32%
Protein	9.41g	65%
Vitamin C	3.7mg	21%
Iron	0.6mg	11%
Calcium	127.9mg	44%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Find out how many calories should you eat.

Tastes

salty
savory
bitter
sweet

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