Stuffed Shells Recipe

These Stuffed Shells are a cheesy, saucy, and oh-so-satisfying Italian-American classic! Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, nestled in a bed of marinara sauce, and baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner, a potluck, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a homemade meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cheesy and delicious: The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese creates a creamy and flavorful filling that’s irresistible.
• Comforting and satisfying: This dish is hearty and filling, perfect for a cozy night in.
• Easy to make: While it takes a bit of time, the steps are simple to follow, and the result is well worth the effort.
• Perfect for sharing: This recipe makes a generous amount, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers.

this Recipe

Ingredients for Stuffed Shells

This recipe uses fresh, high-quality ingredients to create a classic Italian-American dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: These large shells are perfect for holding a generous amount of filling.
• Onion and Garlic: Aromatic essentials that add depth and flavor to the sauce.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables.
• Salt, Pepper, and Oregano: Seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite marinara sauce, or make your own!
• Ricotta Cheese: The base of the creamy filling.
• Egg: Helps bind the filling and adds richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a gooey, cheesy topping.
• Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the filling and garnish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

How to Make Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions in salted water. Drain the shells and immediately rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sauté the chopped onion until softened and golden. Add the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. Sauté for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes. Pour the sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Fill each cooked pasta shell with the cheese filling. You can use an ice cream scoop to help with this process. Arrange the filled shells in a single layer over the marinara sauce in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling at the edges. Remove the foil and broil for 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese is lightly browned.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Prevent sticking: Stir the pasta frequently while it’s cooking to prevent it from sticking to the pot. Rinsing the cooked pasta with cold water also helps prevent sticking.
• Don’t overstuff: Be careful not to overstuff the shells, as the filling may expand during baking.
• Cheese variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in the filling, such as fontina, Gruyere, or even a smoked mozzarella.

How to Serve Stuffed Shells

• Family dinner: This dish is perfect for a hearty and satisfying family dinner.
• Potluck or gathering: It’s also a great dish to bring to a potluck or gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat the stuffed shells in the microwave or in the oven until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Jumbo pasta shells are traditionally used for this recipe, but you can experiment with other large pasta shapes, such as manicotti or conchiglie.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and bake them later. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled stuffed shells before baking. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

My sauce is too watery, what did I do wrong?
If your sauce is too watery, it could be that your tomatoes were too juicy or that you didn’t simmer the sauce long enough. You can try simmering the sauce uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.

There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Stuffed Shells. I hope you enjoy it!

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