There’s something magical about stuffed shells. Imagine plump pasta shells cradling a luscious filling of ricotta and herbs, all smothered in a rich marinara sauce. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone rushing to the table, forks at the ready. It’s comfort food with a little Italian flair that can transform any ordinary weeknight into a feast.
I first discovered my love for stuffed shells during a family gathering, where they were the star of the show—an unexpected hit that left everyone clamoring for the recipe. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself, this dish is perfect for any occasion, promising an explosion of flavor in every bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This stuffed shells recipe is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The layers of flavor create a delightful taste experience that will impress your guests
- With its vibrant colors and inviting aroma, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser
- It’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite fillings or sauces
There was that time my cousin brought them to Thanksgiving dinner, and let me tell you, they vanished faster than you can say “pass the gravy.” People had seconds and thirds while I quietly plotted to sneak away a few leftovers.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Large Pasta Shells: Choose sturdy shells that can hold generous amounts of filling without bursting.
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Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta gives the filling that rich texture; look for fresh varieties at your local store.
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Fresh Spinach: Opt for bright green spinach; it adds both color and nutrition to the dish.
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Marinara Sauce: A good quality store-bought sauce works wonders if you’re short on time or use homemade for extra love.
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Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully on top; go for whole milk mozzarella for the best flavor.
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Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds a nutty finish; fresh is always better if you can manage it.
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Egg: One egg helps bind the filling together and gives it structure when baked.
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Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs elevates your filling with classic Italian flavors; don’t skimp on this!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Time: Gather Your Ingredients! Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and boil a large pot of salted water for cooking the pasta shells. This step ensures your pasta has flavor right from the start.
Cook Those Shells! When the water is boiling, add about 12-15 pasta shells and cook them until al dente—around 8-10 minutes should do. Drain carefully and set aside to cool slightly so you don’t burn your fingers later.
Create Your Filling! In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped fresh spinach, beaten egg, Italian seasoning, half of the mozzarella cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined; trust me, you’ll want to dive into this mixture!
Stuff Those Shells! Take each shell and fill it generously with the ricotta mixture using a spoon or piping bag (for those who like fancy touches). Place them upright in a baking dish coated with marinara sauce at the bottom—this keeps them moist during baking.
Add More Sauce! Pour remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells ensuring each one gets drenched in savory goodness. Sprinkle leftover mozzarella and parmesan on top because more cheese is always welcome in life.
Bake to Perfection! Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil after baking time and let bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Now that you’ve made these delightful stuffed shells, gather everyone around because it’s time to dig in! Serve hot with some crusty garlic bread—because really, who doesn’t love sopping up extra sauce? Enjoy every cheesy bite as laughter fills your home once again—a true testament that food brings people together!
This amazing stuffed shells recipe is perfect for family gatherings. The cheesy filling and rich sauce create an irresistible dish that everyone loves. Don’t forget to use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor and a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, cook the pasta al dente, prepare the filling while it cools, then layer everything in your baking dish with sauce.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out spinach for other greens or add ground meat to the stuffing. Experimenting with spices like nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile too!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a covered dish at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure perfect stuffed shells, avoid overcooking the pasta; it should be firm yet pliable
- Consider adding more cheese for extra creaminess and use fresh herbs to enhance flavor
- A sprinkle of breadcrumbs before baking adds a delightful crunch on top!
Cooking these stuffed shells always reminds me of family dinners growing up, where laughter filled the air and everyone eagerly awaited seconds.
FAQ
What is the best pasta type for stuffed shells?
Use large conchiglie or jumbo pasta shells for optimal stuffing capacity and texture.
Can I freeze stuffed shells before baking?
Absolutely! Freeze them unbaked; just add extra time when baking from frozen.
How do I make my filling creamier?
Incorporate ricotta cheese or sour cream into your stuffing mix for added creaminess and richness.
Stuffed Shells
Stuffed shells are a delightful Italian comfort food that combines plump pasta filled with creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and herbs, all topped with rich marinara sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to entertaining friends, offering an explosion of flavor in every bite. With vibrant colors and enticing aromas, these cheesy stuffed shells are guaranteed to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup marinara sauce (plus more for topping)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil salted water in a large pot.
- Cook pasta shells for about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and let cool.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, spinach, egg, Italian seasoning, half the mozzarella, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Stuff each shell with the ricotta mixture and place them upright in a baking dish with marinara sauce at the bottom.
- Pour remaining marinara over the shells and sprinkle with leftover mozzarella and parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 stuffed shells (approximately 240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
