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