The aroma of bubbling cheese and savory tomato sauce wafts through the air, making your stomach rumble in anticipation of the stuffed shells recipe. Picture creamy ricotta nestled inside giant pasta shells, topped with a blanket of melted mozzarella—it’s a dish that practically sings comfort food.
Now, imagine a family gathering where laughter fills the room, and the centerpiece is a tray of these delightful stuffed shells. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together, sparking joy and nostalgia with each bite. Whether it’s Sunday dinner or an impromptu weeknight feast, this recipe promises to deliver warmth and satisfaction.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This stuffed shells recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The flavors blend beautifully, creating a comforting dish everyone will love
- With its vibrant colors, it adds visual appeal to any dinner table
- Versatile enough for customization, you can easily adapt the filling based on your preferences
Sharing this stuffed shells recipe with friends brought smiles and compliments galore—it was an instant hit at our last potluck!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Large Pasta Shells: Choose high-quality pasta that can hold the filling well without breaking.
-
Ricotta Cheese: Opt for whole milk ricotta for creaminess; it’s worth it!
-
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Use fresh mozzarella for better melting and flavor; it makes all the difference.
-
Parmesan Cheese: Grate it fresh for more robust flavor; pre-grated just won’t do!
-
Marinara Sauce: A good-quality store-bought sauce saves time but feels homemade if you add fresh herbs.
-
Fresh Basil: Use aromatic basil leaves to elevate the dish’s flavor profile; fresh is best!
-
Eggs: They help bind the filling together beautifully; don’t skip them!
-
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These add depth—don’t underestimate their flavorful punch!
-
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; always taste as you go!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Pasta Shells: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta shells until al dente according to package instructions—usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain them carefully and set aside while they cool slightly.
Make the Filling: In a large bowl, mix ricotta cheese, one beaten egg, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chopped basil until smooth. The mixture should be creamy and fragrant.
Fill the Shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab your cooled pasta shells and carefully spoon or pipe in generous amounts of filling using a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off for ease.
Add Sauce & Cheese : Spread half of your marinara sauce evenly in a baking dish. Arrange filled shells on top in a single layer. Spoon remaining marinara over them and sprinkle with leftover mozzarella cheese.
Bake Away!: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil last 10 minutes to let that cheesy topping bubble up perfectly.
Serve & Enjoy!: Once baked to perfection and golden brown on top, let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an elegant touch—enjoy every cheesy bite!
And there you have it! A fun-filled evening awaits as you whip up this stuffed shells recipe that’s sure to impress friends or family alike!
You Must Know
- This stuffed shells recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a chance to impress your dinner guests
- The cheesy goodness and rich sauce create an unforgettable experience
- Plus, you can make them ahead of time for stress-free entertaining
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the pasta shells first while you prepare your filling. This ensures the shells are perfectly cooked and ready to be stuffed with deliciousness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ricotta for cottage cheese or add spinach for a nutritious twist. Your creativity can turn this dish into a unique masterpiece.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring they stay cheesy and delightful.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make your stuffed shells extra special, consider using fresh herbs like basil or parsley for flavor
- Always taste your filling before stuffing; it should be seasoned perfectly!
- Lastly, don’t overstuff; you don’t want them to burst during baking
It was a cozy Sunday afternoon when I first made this stuffed shells recipe for my family. They were skeptical at first, but after one bite, the compliments flowed like spaghetti sauce on a plate!
FAQ
What is the best cheese for stuffed shells?
Ricotta is traditional, but mixing in mozzarella adds a delightful stretchiness.
Can I prepare these stuffed shells in advance?
Absolutely! Assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Make sure to toss the cooked pasta with olive oil right after draining it.
Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Stuffed shells are a comforting Italian dish featuring large pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta and topped with melted mozzarella and marinara sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this easy recipe is sure to impress your loved ones. With its rich flavors and inviting aroma, stuffed shells create a nostalgic dining experience that brings warmth to any table.
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta shells until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Make the filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Fill the shells: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon filling into each shell using a zip-top bag for ease.
- Assemble: Spread half of the marinara sauce in a baking dish, arrange filled shells on top, then spoon remaining sauce and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil for the last 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving; garnish with fresh basil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 stuffed shells (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, consider mixing in spinach or swapping out ricotta for cottage cheese. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat at 350°F until warmed through.