Introduction:
Stuffed Shells is a hearty and comforting Italian dish filled with rich ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, all nestled inside jumbo pasta shells. It’s baked in marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese, making for a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep. The dish can be customized with additional ingredients like spinach, sausage, or ground beef, but the basic version is delicious on its own!
Ingredients:
20-25 jumbo pasta shells
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta Shells:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions (usually 9-11 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent them from sticking. Set aside.
Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Stuff the Shells:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Carefully stuff each cooked shell with the cheese mixture, placing them seam-side up in the baking dish.
Top the Shells:
Once all the shells are stuffed, pour the remaining marinara sauce over them. Sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake:
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve:
Let the stuffed shells cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
Description:
Stuffed Shells are a perfect blend of flavors and textures—creamy, cheesy filling wrapped in tender pasta and smothered in savory tomato sauce. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and elegant, ideal for any occasion. The filling is customizable to suit your preferences, adding spinach, ground meat, or even different kinds of cheese for variation. Baked to perfection, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends!
Tips:
Make Ahead: You can prepare stuffed shells a day ahead. Simply assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes, then bake as instructed.
Freezing: To freeze stuffed shells, assemble the dish as instructed but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Adding Vegetables: If you like, you can add cooked spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or bell peppers to the ricotta filling for more flavor and nutrition.
Meat Variations: For a heartier meal, you can add ground beef, turkey, or sausage to the marinara sauce or mix it into the cheese filling.
Corrections:
When stuffing the shells, ensure that you don’t overfill them to avoid spilling. A teaspoon per shell is usually enough.
If your marinara sauce is too thick, you can add a little water or broth to thin it out slightly before pouring it over the shells.
If your cheese filling seems too dry, you can add a bit of milk or cream to make it creamier and easier to stuff.
Enjoy your delicious, cheesy stuffed shells!
