Stuffed shells are a classic Italian-American comfort food that combines tender pasta, creamy cheese, and rich marinara sauce. This delicious dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want to impress your guests with a hearty, satisfying meal. Follow this simple recipe to create stuffed shells that everyone will love.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Stuffed Shells:
- 24 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 container whole milk ricotta cheese (425g/15-ounce)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided (340g)
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided (90g)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, divided
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups marinara sauce, divided (720ml)
Step-by-Step Directions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Cook the Pasta
- Boil Pasta Shells: Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Generously season with salt and add the pasta shells. Return to a boil and cook, uncovered, until tender, about 12 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
Prepare the Filling
- Mix Cheese Filling: While the pasta is cooking, in a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, 2 cups of mozzarella, ½ cup of Parmesan, 2 tablespoons of parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and egg. Stir until well blended.
Assemble the Dish
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spread 2 cups of marinara sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Fill Pasta Shells: Fill the cooked pasta shells with the ricotta mixture and place them on top of the marinara sauce in the baking dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spoon the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce over the filled shells. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese. Loosely cover with foil.
Bake
- Bake Covered: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Uncover the dish and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese begins to brown.
Serve
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with the remaining 2 tablespoons of parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious stuffed shells!
Tips and Variations
- Ricotta Substitute: If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with whipped cottage cheese. If using regular cottage cheese, strain off the excess liquid to avoid a watery filling.
- Avoid Overcooking Pasta: Be careful not to overcook the pasta shells as they will continue to cook when baked.
- Boil Extra Shells: Boil the entire box of pasta shells, as some may break during cooking. This ensures you have enough intact shells.
- Use a Piping Bag: If you have difficulties scooping the filling into the pasta shells, use a piping bag for easier filling.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like provolone, fontina, asiago, or romano.
- Add Meat: For a heartier dish, add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or ground turkey to the cheese mixture.
- Add Vegetables: Sauteed spinach or other vegetables make great additions to the cheese mixture.
- Season the Water: Don’t skip salting the pasta water, as it helps season the pasta itself.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make these delicious stuffed shells, you’ll need the following kitchen equipment:
- Large pot
- Medium mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Cooking spray
- Spoon or piping bag (for filling shells)
- Aluminum foil
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I freeze stuffed shells?
Yes, you can freeze stuffed shells. Assemble the dish but do not bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
How can I prevent the shells from sticking together?
After draining the cooked pasta shells, toss them with a little olive oil to prevent them from sticking together.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works well in this recipe. Choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if the dish is cold from the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Stuffed shells are a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy cheese filling and rich marinara sauce, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Follow these simple steps to create a meal that everyone will enjoy!