When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite compares to the warm embrace of stuffed shells. Imagine fluffy pasta shells generously filled with a creamy blend of cheeses, all tucked away in a rich marinara sauce. This dish isn’t just delicious; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings everyone around the dinner table. Did you know that stuffed shells originated from the Neapolitan region of Italy, where they were traditionally filled with ricotta and herbs? It’s true! This dish offers great nostalgia, and it’s a wonderful way to share a hearty meal with family.
What makes stuffed shells extra special is their simplicity. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to whip this up, and the preparation time is quick enough to make it a weeknight favorite. Plus, it’s family-friendly, so even the pickiest eaters will be reaching for seconds! If you love this dish, you’ll definitely want to check out our recipe for baked ziti—it’s another fantastic pasta dish that’s just as easy and satisfying. Ready to dive into some cheesy goodness? Let’s get started!
What are Stuffed Shells?
So, what exactly are stuffed shells? Picture giant pasta shells, each one ready to be filled up with a cheesy concoction that would make anyone swoon! These pasta marvels are like little pillows of goodness, and the best part? They are totally customizable! Want to sneak in some spinach? Go for it! A little ground turkey? Why not! It’s as if these shells whisper, “Fill me with your culinary dreams!” as they wait for that ooey-gooey filling. As the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and stuffed shells are likely to lead the way with their charm. Are you ready to experience this delightful dish?
Why You’ll Love Stuffed Shells
You’ll fall head over heels for stuffed shells for a variety of reasons! First off, the main highlight of this dish is the blend of textures and flavors. The creamy, cheesy filling coupled with tangy marinara creates a taste sensation that’s simply irresistible. Not to mention, making this dish at home is remarkably cost-effective. No need to spend a fortune eating out when you can whip up this satisfying meal in your own kitchen!
What sets stuffed shells apart is the endless possibilities for fillings and toppings. Whether you prefer the classic ricotta and spinach combo or you want to get creative with chicken or veggies, stuffed shells can accommodate your culinary whims. If you find yourself craving something hearty yet quick, why not give this a try? You won’t regret it!
How to Make Stuffed Shells
Quick Overview
Stuffed shells are incredibly easy to make, making them a go-to recipe for busy weeknights. With minimal prep time—about 30 minutes to get everything ready—and a bake time of around 25 minutes, you’ll have a mouthwatering dinner on the table in no time. Gather your ingredients and let’s begin the journey to cheesy bliss!
Key Ingredients for Stuffed Shells
- Jumbo pasta shells: 20-24 shells
- Ricotta cheese: 15 oz
- Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups, shredded
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, grated
- Egg: 1, beaten
- Fresh spinach: 2 cups, cooked and chopped (optional)
- Marinara sauce: 4 cups
- Salt: to taste
- Black pepper: to taste
- Italian seasoning: 1 tsp
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the jumbo shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, and cooked spinach (if using). Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Fill the Shells: Take each pasta shell and fill it generously with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Don’t be shy—fill those shells up!
- Assemble the Dish: Spread about half of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the filled shells on top of the sauce, then pour the remaining sauce over the top. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious stuffed shells!
What to Serve Stuffed Shells With
To create a memorable meal, consider serving stuffed shells with a fresh green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette. Garlic bread is another perfect side, good for sopping up that lovely marinara sauce. A glass of sparkling water or iced tea will round out your dinner beautifully. The combination of flavors from the stuffed shells and these sides makes for a delightful dining experience!
Top Tips for Perfecting Stuffed Shells
- Cooking the Shells: Make sure not to overcook the pasta; you want them al dente so they don’t fall apart when filling them.
- Cooking Spinach: If using fresh spinach, sauté it briefly in olive oil to wilt it before adding to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
- Make Ahead: These shells can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a quick bake later in the week.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftover stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. If you want to save them for later, they can also be frozen before baking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil; they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, just bake from frozen—no thawing necessary!
By trying this stuffed shells recipe, you’re not only enjoying a classic Italian favorite but creating delightful memories around the dinner table! So roll up your sleeves and get cooking—your taste buds will thank you!
Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the jumbo shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, and cooked spinach (if using). Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Take each pasta shell and fill it generously with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
- Spread about half of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the filled shells on top of the sauce, then pour the remaining sauce over the top. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving.
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