It’s hard to resist the tantalizing allure of stuffed shells, those tender pasta pockets filled with creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella. Imagine your favorite Italian flavors wrapped in a delightful shell, bubbling away in a rich marinara sauce. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, promising an unforgettable meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
When I first attempted to make stuffed shells, I was convinced they’d be my culinary masterpiece. Spoiler alert: they were! Picture me, apron on and pasta scattered everywhere, trying to stuff those little devils without making a mess. It turned out to be a fun disaster; laughter echoed as ricotta flew like confetti. But hey, the end result was a dish that not only looked impressive but also tasted divine!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Stuffed shells are easy to prepare and can be whipped up quickly on busy weeknights
- The combination of creamy cheese and savory sauce is irresistible
- Visually appealing with their golden top and vibrant sauce, these shells will wow your guests
- Perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to festive gatherings, they’re versatile enough for everyone!
I still remember the first time I served stuffed shells at a family gathering. My aunt practically swooned over them, declaring they were better than her own recipe!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Jumbo Pasta Shells: Look for sturdy shells that won’t break easily when filled; you want them to hold all that cheesy goodness.
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Ricotta Cheese: Opt for whole milk ricotta for a creamier texture; it makes all the difference in flavor.
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Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and adds that irresistible pull when you take a bite.
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Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan enhances flavor; don’t skip this step unless you want sad-looking shells.
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Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce or make your own; either way, it should be rich and flavorful.
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Fresh Basil: Fresh basil elevates the dish with its fragrant aroma; chop it up before mixing into the filling.
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Egg: Adding an egg to the filling binds everything together nicely; it keeps your stuffing from falling apart during baking.
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Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the flavors of all ingredients—don’t skimp here!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large pot and fill it with salted water. Bring it to a boil while you prepare your pasta.
Cook the Pasta Shells: Carefully add jumbo pasta shells to boiling water and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and gently rinse under cold water. Set aside.
Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, mix ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped basil, salt, pepper, and an egg until well combined. Taste test—add more seasoning if necessary!
Stuff the Shells: Using a spoon or piping bag (yes, I’m fancy like that), fill each shell generously with the creamy mixture. Don’t worry if some spills out—messy is part of the fun!
Create Your Sauce Layer: Spread a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. This prevents sticking and adds flavor. Place stuffed shells seam-side up on top of the sauce.
Add More Sauce & Cheese: Pour remaining marinara sauce over stuffed shells generously and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese for that golden bubbly finish.
Bake to Perfection!: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake again for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden brown.
Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving—you don’t want anyone burning their mouth on molten cheese! Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra pop of color.
Enjoy your homemade stuffed shells while basking in compliments from family or friends who will undoubtedly ask for seconds! Trust me; this dish will become an instant favorite at your dinner table!
You Must Know
- Stuffed shells are a crowd-pleaser, bursting with flavor and easy to customize
- The cheesy filling and rich sauce create a cozy aroma that fills the kitchen
- Once you master this dish, it can become your go-to for gatherings and lazy weekends
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the shells until al dente; then prepare your filling while the pasta cooks. Layer the sauce in the baking dish before adding the stuffed shells for even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ricotta with cottage cheese or mix in spinach for a nutritious twist. Top with fresh herbs or different cheeses to suit your taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until warm throughout.
Chef's Helpful Tips
Sometimes I think about that time my friend tried my stuffed shells and declared them “life-changing.” Who knew pasta could bring such joy?
FAQ
Can I freeze stuffed shells before baking?
Yes, freeze them unbaked with plastic wrap for up to three months.
What type of cheese is best for stuffed shells?
Ricotta is traditional, but mixing mozzarella adds extra creaminess.
How long do I bake stuffed shells?
Bake at 375°F for about 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Stuffed Shells
Stuffed shells are the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender pasta filled with a rich blend of creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and fresh basil, all baked in savory marinara sauce. This dish is not only crowd-pleasing but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With a golden, bubbly cheese topping and an irresistible aroma wafting through your kitchen, stuffed shells promise to impress everyone at your table.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- 1 large egg
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, basil, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix well.
- Stuff each shell with the ricotta mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish and place stuffed shells seam-side up.
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (180g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
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