Cozy, Cheese-Filled Stuffed Shells Recipe for Pasta Lovers

Crafting delectable stuffed shells brings pure comfort to weeknight dinners.

Cheese and pasta create magical combinations in every bite.

Mediterranean ingredients dance through this classic Italian-inspired dish.

Shells nestled with creamy ricotta promise incredible flavor experiences.

Warm, bubbling goodness emerges straight from your kitchen oven.

Each forkful tells a story of culinary passion.

Prepare to fall in love with this simple yet impressive meal that will quickly become a household favorite.

Why Stuffed Shells Always Feel Right

• Conquer Comfort Cooking: Master a classic Italian dish with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that guarantee delicious results every single time.
• Customize with Creativity: Easily adapt the recipe by switching cheeses, adding protein like ground beef or sausage, or incorporating different herbs to match your family's taste preferences.
• Perfect for Crowd-Pleasing Gatherings: Ideal for potlucks, family dinners, and casual get-togethers where everyone loves a hearty, cheesy pasta dish that feels like a warm hug.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Requires basic kitchen skills with minimal chopping and mixing, making it an approachable recipe for home cooks of all experience levels.

Stuffed Shells Ingredient List

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for holding the creamy cheese filling.

• Ricotta Cheese: Soft and creamy cheese that creates a smooth base for the filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese that adds a classic stretchy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp cheese that provides a rich, nutty flavor to the mixture.
• Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture together and create a cohesive filling.

• Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Aromatic herbs that bring brightness and freshness to the cheese mixture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides depth and richness to the marinara sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing garlic and greasing the baking dish.

• Fresh Basil Leaves: Additional herbs for a pop of color and fresh aroma when serving.

Step-By-Step Guide For Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Boil Pasta Shells

Cook jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until they reach a perfect al dente texture. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the shells and let them cool completely to prepare for stuffing.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cheese Blend

• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Blend the ingredients until you achieve a velvety, consistent mixture.

Step 3: Enhance Cheese Mixture with Herbs

• Basil
• Parsley

Sprinkle in salt and black pepper to elevate the flavor profile.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm the oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.

Step 5: Craft Flavorful Marinara Sauce

Mince garlic and sauté it briefly in olive oil until it releases its aromatic essence. Stir the garlic into marinara sauce, creating a rich and fragrant base.

Step 6: Stuff Pasta Shells

Carefully fill each cooled pasta shell with the herbed cheese mixture. Ensure an even distribution for consistent flavor in every bite.

Step 7: Layer Marinara Sauce

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of the baking dish. Gently arrange the stuffed shells on top of this sauce base.

Step 8: Cover with Sauce

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, completely covering them to lock in moisture and flavor.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake the dish uncovered for 25-30 minutes. Look for melted cheese and golden-brown edges as indicators of readiness.

Step 10: Rest and Settle

Remove from the oven and allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of color and an extra layer of aromatic freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy your culinary creation!

Simple Tricks For Stuffed Shells Success

• Prevent Overcooking Shells: Boil pasta shells exactly 8-10 minutes to maintain perfect texture, avoiding mushy results.
• Balance Cheese Mixture: Whisk egg first to create creamy, smooth consistency that helps bind cheese ingredients together.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Sauté garlic briefly in olive oil before adding to marinara sauce to release robust, aromatic notes.
• Master Stuffing Technique: Use a small spoon or piping bag to distribute cheese mixture evenly, preventing overflow and ensuring consistent filling.
• Resting Matters: Allow dish to rest 5 minutes after baking to let cheese set and flavors meld, creating more delicious results.

Fun Ways To Customize Stuffed Shells

• Spinach Sensation: Replace part of the cheese mixture with finely chopped cooked spinach for an extra veggie boost and nutrient-rich filling.
• Meaty Marvel: Brown ground beef or Italian sausage, then mix into the cheese blend for a protein-packed version that adds robust flavor.
• Mediterranean Mix: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of oregano to create a Greek-inspired stuffed shell experience.
• Seafood Surprise: Fold in cooked and chopped shrimp or crab meat for a luxurious seafood variation that elevates the classic recipe.

Best Matches For Stuffed Shells

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Opt for a chardonnay or pinot grigio with bright acidity to cut through the rich, creamy cheese and complement the herbal notes of basil and parsley.
• Rustic Italian Salad Companion: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, shaved parmesan, and toasted pine nuts to balance the hearty stuffed shells and add fresh, zesty contrast.
• Crusty Garlic Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, herb-infused garlic bread to soak up extra marinara sauce and provide a crunchy texture alongside the soft, cheesy pasta shells.
• Refreshing Sparkling Water Accent: Choose a lemon or cucumber-infused sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites and enhance the overall dining experience with a light, bubbly touch.

How To Store And Reheat Stuffed Shells

• Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual shells or the entire dish in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months to preserve taste and texture.
• Remove frozen stuffed shells from freezer and let defrost in refrigerator overnight. Avoid room temperature thawing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm stuffed shells in oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Add a splash of marinara sauce to keep moisture levels high.

Your Questions About Stuffed Shells Answered

• Can I make stuffed shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the shells up to a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking and add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.

• Are stuffed shells freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! After assembling, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

• How can I prevent shells from tearing while stuffing?

Cook shells just until al dente and handle gently. Use a small spoon or piping bag to fill shells carefully, avoiding overstuffing which can cause splitting.

Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 45-55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired Stuffed Shells celebrate rich flavors from Italian culinary traditions, blending creamy ricotta, tender spinach, and aromatic herbs. Cheese-lovers will savor this comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Pasta and Cheese:

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Filling and Herbs:

• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp fresh basil
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Sauce and Garnish:

• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic
• Optional: fresh basil leaves for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool.
2. Whisk egg in a large mixing bowl, then fold in ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses until smoothly combined.
3. Finely chop fresh basil and parsley, then gently mix into the cheese blend along with salt and black pepper.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly coat a baking dish with olive oil.
5. Mince garlic and sauté in olive oil for 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir into marinara sauce.
6. Carefully stuff each cooled pasta shell with the herbed cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
7. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish, then arrange stuffed shells on top.
8. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells, covering them completely.
9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and edges are golden brown.
10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
11. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added aroma and visual appeal.

Notes

• Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and more robust flavor, avoiding pre-shredded varieties that contain anti-caking agents.
• Avoid overcooking pasta shells to prevent them from becoming mushy and tearing during stuffing, aiming for a firm al dente texture.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular pasta shells with gluten-free jumbo shells and ensure marinara sauce is gluten-free certified.
• Create a lighter version by using part-skim ricotta and reducing the amount of mozzarella, which cuts calories without sacrificing taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 367
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 677 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 67 mg