Stuffed Shells Recipe

Oh, stuffed shells! Is there anything more comforting than a dish filled with cheesy deliciousness nestled in tender pasta? I can still remember the first time I had this gorgeous meal—it was a chilly Sunday evening, my family gathered around the dinner table, and my mom had just pulled a bubbling dish of stuffed shells from the oven. The rich aroma of tomato sauce mixed with herbs and melting cheese filled our cozy kitchen, wrapping us in warmth. It’s a dish that has become a staple in my own kitchen, one that sends out emotional vibes of comfort and familial love. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, stuffed shells bring everyone together, and that’s exactly why I love this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🥡 Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner—just assemble and bake!
• 💰 Budget-friendly with simple ingredients that won’t break the bank.
• 🧀 Comforting flavors that evoke nostalgia, making every bite feel like a warm hug.
• 🌱 Versatile—easily swap or add ingredients to suit your taste.
• 🍽️ Great for leftovers; warms up beautifully for lunch the next day!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dish:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups ricotta cheese (the creamier, the better!)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought; I love a robust, herby sauce)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (or 1 tablespoon dried basil)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds so much punch!)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for drizzling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s dive into making this mouthwatering dish together!

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure our stuffed shells bake to perfection!
2. Cook the pasta shells: Boil a large pot of salted water and add the jumbo shells. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes until they are al dente (firm to the bite). Keep them slightly undercooked since they will finish cooking in the oven. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
3. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped basil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined, but don’t overmix—otherwise, it might get a bit rubbery!
4. Stuff those shells: Take a shell and spoon a generous amount of the cheese mixture into it. Repeat until all shells are filled. It’s a deliciously messy task, and I love getting my hands (and a little cheese) involved!
5. Layer the dish: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place your stuffed shells on top of the sauce, opening facing up. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Drizzle with a little olive oil for good measure.
6. Bake it: Cover the dish with aluminum foil (it helps keep the shells moist!) and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. You might even want to broil them for a minute or two at the end for extra browning—just keep an eye on them!
7. Let it cool: Remove from the oven and allow the stuffed shells to sit for about 5-10 minutes. This will help the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy that delicious garlic and herb aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Pro Tips & Variations

Now that you’ve mastered the classic version, let’s have some fun!

• Spices: Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, or try Italian seasoning for an extra aromatic boost.
• Vegetable power: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini into the filling for a veggie-packed version!
• Protein swap: Ground turkey or chicken can be mixed into the cheese filling for a heartier meal.
• Dairy-free option: Substitute the ricotta with a plant-based cream cheese or tofu blend for a dairy-free alternative.
• Toppings: Top with fresh basil or parsley right before serving for a beautiful finishing touch!

Serving Suggestions

This dish is absolutely perfect on its own, but there’s no harm in elevating the experience a little more!

• 🌿 Serve with a light side salad drizzled with your favorite dressing for some refreshing crunch.
• 🍞 Couldn’t go wrong with crusty garlic bread on the side to scoop up any extra sauce—trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop!
• ☕ Enjoy it with a glass of red wine or even a cozy cup of herbal tea for a comforting finish to your meal.

Imagine the scene: friends or family gathered around the table, plates served, laughter echoing as everyone digs into their cheesy stuffed shells. It’s a perfect recipe for connection.

Storage Tips

Made too much? No problem! Here’s how to store your stuffed shells:

• Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: If you want to freeze, layer the uncooked shells in a freezer-safe dish before baking. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed for about 35-40 minutes.
• Reheat: If reheating cooked shells, you can warm them covered in the oven at 350°F until heated through (about 20-25 minutes) or in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I make stuffed shells ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed shells in advance, cover them, and keep them in the fridge for a day or so before baking. Just extend the baking time a bit since they’ll be cool when you pop them in the oven.

Can I use different types of cheese?

For sure! Feel free to swap out the mozzarella for provolone, fontina, or any cheese you adore. Just keep in mind that it’ll alter the flavor slightly—sometimes a little adventure in the kitchen is just what you need!

What can I serve with stuffed shells?

Stuffed shells go well with a variety of sides! Try a simple side salad, garlic bread, or even roasted vegetables. Anything that provides a contrasting texture or flavor complements this rich dish beautifully.

How do I keep my stuffed shells from breaking while cooking?

Good question! Be sure to cook your shells al dente and handle them with care once they’re cooked. A light touch prevents cracks. If you’re worried, you can also spoon some sauce into the pan before placing the shells; it helps cushion them nicely!

Conclusion

And there you have it—a beautiful plate of stuffed shells that’s bound to warm your heart and fill your belly. I’d love to hear how yours turned out or if you added any fun twists! Be sure to comment below and share your experiences. Cooking is such a wonderful way to connect, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy this dish as much as I do! Happy cooking!

Stuffed Shells Recipe

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Try this easy stuffed shells recipe for a delicious meal! Quick to make and packed with flavor, it’s a perfect family dinner. Enjoy now!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

20 jumbo pasta shells

2 cups of ricotta cheese

1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg

2 cups of marinara sauce

2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil

2 cloves of garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil for drizzling

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Boil a large pot of salted water and add the jumbo shells. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped basil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

Take a shell and spoon a generous amount of the cheese mixture into it. Repeat until all shells are filled.

In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place your stuffed shells on top, opening facing up. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Drizzle with a little olive oil.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.

Remove from oven and allow to sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

A delicious recipe for stuffed shells filled with a creamy cheese mixture, topped with marinara sauce and baked to perfection.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 grams
• Fat: 18 grams
• Carbohydrates: 35 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Protein: 15 grams

Keywords: Stuffed Shells, Pasta, Italian Recipe, Dinner Recipe, Comfort Food