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Stuffed Shells: A Comforting Classic Perfect for Any Occasion

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Stuffed Shells are the epitome of comfort food—simple to make yet packed with flavor. This dish combines al dente pasta shells filled with a creamy and savory cheese mixture, all baked in a rich marinara sauce. The appeal lies in its versatility, warmth, and ability to bring people together around the dinner table. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal for the family or hosting a dinner party, Stuffed Shells are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Stuffed Shells: A Comforting Classic Perfect for Any Occasion

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🍽️✨ Dive into a plate of Stuffed Shells, where every bite is pure comfort! 🧀🌿 These pasta shells are loaded with a rich ricotta filling, baked to perfection with marinara sauce and mozzarella. A hearty, satisfying dish that’s as easy as it is delicious. 🍝

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  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • Jumbo Pasta Shells (20 pieces): These large pasta shells are the foundation of the dish, designed to hold the creamy cheese filling. Cooked until just tender, they provide the perfect vessel for all the deliciousness inside.
  • Onion (1/2 medium, chopped): The onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the marinara sauce.
  • Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Garlic is essential for its robust, aromatic flavor, enhancing the sauce and giving it a traditional Italian flair.
  • Salt (1 tsp, divided): Salt is used to season every layer of the dish, from the pasta water to the sauce and filling, ensuring balanced flavors.
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper (1/2 tsp, divided): Black pepper adds a gentle heat and complexity to the dish.
  • Dried Oregano (1/4 tsp): This herb adds a touch of earthy, Mediterranean flavor to the sauce.
  • Marinara Sauce (3 cups): The sauce acts as the base for the stuffed shells, providing moisture, tanginess, and a rich tomato flavor. Use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade marinara for an elevated touch.
  • Ricotta Cheese (15 oz): The creamy, mild ricotta forms the bulk of the cheese filling, offering a smooth and luxurious texture.
  • Large Egg (1): The egg binds the cheese mixture together, ensuring it holds its shape when baked.
  • Parmesan Cheese (1/3 cup): Parmesan adds a nutty, savory depth to the filling, perfectly complementing the ricotta.
  • Mozzarella Cheese (3 cups, divided): Mozzarella provides the ooey-gooey melt factor that makes this dish irresistible. Two cups are mixed into the filling, and the remaining cup is sprinkled on top for a golden finish.
  • Parsley (1/4 cup, plus extra for garnish): Fresh parsley adds brightness and color, balancing the richness of the cheese and sauce.

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta:
    • Preheat your oven to 375˚F.
    • Cook the jumbo pasta shells in salted water according to the package instructions. Stir the pasta several times during cooking to prevent it from sticking together.
    • Once cooked, drain the shells and fill the pot with cold water to stop the cooking process. This ensures the shells stay firm enough to handle without tearing.
  • Prepare the Sauce:
    • Heat a deep pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
    • Sauté the chopped onion until softened and golden, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
    • Add the minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of oregano. Stir constantly for about a minute until the garlic is fragrant.
    • Pour in 3 cups of marinara sauce and bring it to a uniform boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
    • Spread the sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
  • Make the Cheese Filling:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella, 1/3 cup of parmesan, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup of chopped parsley, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
    • Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined and the filling is smooth and creamy.
  • Stuff and Assemble the Shells:
    • Use an ice cream scoop or a tablespoon to fill each pasta shell with the cheese mixture. Be careful not to overstuff the shells to prevent them from breaking.
    • Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer over the marinara sauce in the casserole dish.
    • Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the shells.
  • Bake to Perfection:
    • Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. The sauce should be bubbling around the edges.
    • Remove the foil and broil for 2 to 4 minutes to lightly brown the cheese on top.
    • Take the dish out of the oven, garnish with additional parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Ingredient Substitutions:
    • For a lighter filling, substitute half the ricotta with cottage cheese.
    • Swap parmesan with pecorino romano for a sharper flavor.
    • If you prefer meat in your dish, mix cooked ground chicken or beef into the marinara sauce or the cheese filling.
  • Make-Ahead Option:
    • Prepare the stuffed shells and assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake.
  • Freezer-Friendly:
    • Stuffed Shells freeze beautifully. Assemble the dish in a freezer-safe container but skip the baking step. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bake straight from the freezer at 375˚F for about an hour, covering with foil for the first 45 minutes.
  • Add Vegetables:
    • For a nutritious twist, mix cooked spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or diced zucchini into the cheese filling.
  • Spicy Kick:
    • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a subtle heat.
  • Author: Paula Susan
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes

In this recipe, tender jumbo pasta shells are filled with a luscious blend of ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella cheese, seasoned with fresh parsley, and nestled in a rich marinara sauce. Topped with even more mozzarella, the dish is baked to golden, bubbly perfection. The aroma of garlic, oregano, and melted cheese will fill your kitchen, creating a feast for the senses long before the first bite. What’s more, these shells reheat beautifully, making them an ideal make-ahead meal.

Ingredients: The Stars of the Dish

Understanding the ingredients is key to making the best Stuffed Shells. Let’s break down each component and its role in this recipe.

  • Jumbo Pasta Shells (20 pieces): These large pasta shells are the foundation of the dish, designed to hold the creamy cheese filling. Cooked until just tender, they provide the perfect vessel for all the deliciousness inside.
  • Onion (1/2 medium, chopped): The onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the marinara sauce.
  • Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Garlic is essential for its robust, aromatic flavor, enhancing the sauce and giving it a traditional Italian flair.
  • Salt (1 tsp, divided): Salt is used to season every layer of the dish, from the pasta water to the sauce and filling, ensuring balanced flavors.
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper (1/2 tsp, divided): Black pepper adds a gentle heat and complexity to the dish.
  • Dried Oregano (1/4 tsp): This herb adds a touch of earthy, Mediterranean flavor to the sauce.
  • Marinara Sauce (3 cups): The sauce acts as the base for the stuffed shells, providing moisture, tanginess, and a rich tomato flavor. Use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade marinara for an elevated touch.
  • Ricotta Cheese (15 oz): The creamy, mild ricotta forms the bulk of the cheese filling, offering a smooth and luxurious texture.
  • Large Egg (1): The egg binds the cheese mixture together, ensuring it holds its shape when baked.
  • Parmesan Cheese (1/3 cup): Parmesan adds a nutty, savory depth to the filling, perfectly complementing the ricotta.
  • Mozzarella Cheese (3 cups, divided): Mozzarella provides the ooey-gooey melt factor that makes this dish irresistible. Two cups are mixed into the filling, and the remaining cup is sprinkled on top for a golden finish.
  • Parsley (1/4 cup, plus extra for garnish): Fresh parsley adds brightness and color, balancing the richness of the cheese and sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Bringing the Dish to Life

This recipe is easy to follow and can be broken into four main steps: preparing the pasta, making the sauce, creating the cheese filling, and assembling and baking the dish.

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    • Preheat your oven to 375˚F.
    • Cook the jumbo pasta shells in salted water according to the package instructions. Stir the pasta several times during cooking to prevent it from sticking together.
    • Once cooked, drain the shells and fill the pot with cold water to stop the cooking process. This ensures the shells stay firm enough to handle without tearing.
  2. Prepare the Sauce:
    • Heat a deep pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
    • Sauté the chopped onion until softened and golden, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
    • Add the minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of oregano. Stir constantly for about a minute until the garlic is fragrant.
    • Pour in 3 cups of marinara sauce and bring it to a uniform boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
    • Spread the sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
  3. Make the Cheese Filling:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella, 1/3 cup of parmesan, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup of chopped parsley, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
    • Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined and the filling is smooth and creamy.
  4. Stuff and Assemble the Shells:
    • Use an ice cream scoop or a tablespoon to fill each pasta shell with the cheese mixture. Be careful not to overstuff the shells to prevent them from breaking.
    • Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer over the marinara sauce in the casserole dish.
    • Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the shells.
  5. Bake to Perfection:
    • Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. The sauce should be bubbling around the edges.
    • Remove the foil and broil for 2 to 4 minutes to lightly brown the cheese on top.
    • Take the dish out of the oven, garnish with additional parsley, and serve warm.

Flavors, Textures, and Aromas: What to Expect

The moment you pull the Stuffed Shells from the oven, the irresistible aroma of bubbling marinara and melted mozzarella fills the air. The flavors are a harmonious blend of tangy tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and aromatic garlic and oregano. Each bite offers a delightful contrast: the soft, tender pasta, the rich and creamy filling, and the gooey, slightly crisped cheese on top.

The dish is hearty and satisfying, yet it feels elegant enough for a special occasion. The parsley garnish adds a touch of freshness, cutting through the richness and adding a pop of color.

Tips for Success and Variations

To make the most of this recipe, consider the following tips and variations:

  • Ingredient Substitutions:
    • For a lighter filling, substitute half the ricotta with cottage cheese.
    • Swap parmesan with pecorino romano for a sharper flavor.
    • If you prefer meat in your dish, mix cooked ground chicken or beef into the marinara sauce or the cheese filling.
  • Make-Ahead Option:
    • Prepare the stuffed shells and assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake.
  • Freezer-Friendly:
    • Stuffed Shells freeze beautifully. Assemble the dish in a freezer-safe container but skip the baking step. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bake straight from the freezer at 375˚F for about an hour, covering with foil for the first 45 minutes.
  • Add Vegetables:
    • For a nutritious twist, mix cooked spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or diced zucchini into the cheese filling.
  • Spicy Kick:
    • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a subtle heat.

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed Shells are a meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with side dishes like garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables. For a more indulgent spread, serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or grilled asparagus.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food, offering the best of Italian-inspired flavors in one dish. The recipe is easy to follow and customizable to suit your preferences. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week. The combination of creamy cheese, tender pasta, and flavorful marinara is guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.

Give this recipe a try and experience the magic of Stuffed Shells for yourself. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Conclusion

Stuffed Shells are the perfect blend of simplicity, comfort, and indulgence. With tender pasta shells packed full of creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and savory parmesan, all baked in a rich, aromatic marinara sauce, this dish is a guaranteed hit. Its warm, cheesy goodness makes it ideal for cozy family dinners, special occasions, or even meal prepping for the week ahead.

Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it with added proteins or vegetables, the versatility of Stuffed Shells ensures they’ll quickly become a favorite in your home. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this Italian-inspired dish is truly comfort food at its finest. So, grab your apron, fire up the oven, and get ready to savor the ultimate cheesy, saucy, and delicious pasta bake!

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