Italian Stuffed Shells Recipe

Italian Stuffed Shells are a comforting and delicious dish, perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a home-cooked meal. This recipe combines large pasta shells filled with a flavorful mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and herbs, all baked in a savory marinara sauce. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Italian Stuffed Shells are a classic Italian-American dish that is beloved for its hearty flavors and comforting nature. The combination of pasta, cheese, and marinara sauce creates a rich and satisfying meal that can be easily customized with various ingredients. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also allows for creativity in the kitchen, making it a favorite among home cooks.

Whether you are hosting a dinner party, preparing a family meal, or just craving some comforting Italian food, this stuffed shells recipe will be sure to please. The dish can be made ahead of time, frozen for later, or served fresh out of the oven, making it versatile for any occasion.

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

1. Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. The salt enhances the flavor of the pasta.
2. Cook the Shells: Add the large pasta shells to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until they are al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Drain and Rinse: Once cooked, drain the shells in a colander and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling

1. Mix the Cheese: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, the egg, parsley, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
2. Stir Until Smooth: Mix the ingredients until well combined and smooth. This mixture should be creamy and easily spoonable.

Step 3: Assemble the Stuffed Shells

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents the shells from sticking and adds flavor.
2. Stuff the Shells: Take a cooled pasta shell and fill it generously with the cheese mixture using a spoon. Place the filled shell seam-side up in the baking dish. Repeat until all shells are filled.
3. Top with Sauce: Once all the shells are in the baking dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Ensure they are evenly coated.
4. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce-covered shells.

Step 4: Bake the Stuffed Shells

1. Cover the Dish: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in during baking.
2. Bake: Place the dish in a preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
3. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an added touch.

Serving Suggestions

Italian Stuffed Shells are delicious on their own, but you can enhance your meal with the following side dishes:

• Garlic Bread: A perfect companion to soak up the marinara sauce.
• Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing pairs well with the richness of the stuffed shells.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition to the meal.
• Wine Pairing: A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, complements the flavors of the dish beautifully.

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Leftover stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Freezer: If you want to make ahead of time, you can freeze the assembled, uncooked stuffed shells. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply remove the wrapping and bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating: To reheat cooked stuffed shells, place them in a baking dish with a little marinara sauce to prevent drying out. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes.

Conclusion

Italian Stuffed Shells are a timeless dish that brings the warmth and comfort of Italian cuisine to your table. With their cheesy filling, hearty sauce, and satisfying pasta, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering. The versatility of this dish allows you to customize the filling, sauce, or toppings based on your preferences, making it a great addition to your recipe repertoire.

Try making this dish for your next family meal, dinner party, or cozy night in. Once you see how easy and delicious Italian Stuffed Shells can be, you’ll find yourself making them again and again. Buon appetito!

Yield: 4-6

Italian Stuffed Shells Recipe

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Italian Stuffed Shells are a comforting and delicious dish, perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a home-cooked meal. This recipe combines large pasta shells filled with a flavorful mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and herbs, all baked in a savory marinara sauce. Let's dive into this delightful recipe that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Shells:
• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or ½ cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Sauce:
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• For Garnish:
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   
2. Cook the Pasta Shells:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
   
3. Prepare the Filling:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, chopped spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
   
4. Prepare the Sauce:
   In a separate bowl, mix the marinara sauce with the oregano and red pepper flakes if using. Spread about 1 cup of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
   
5. Stuff the Shells:
   Using a spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture and place them in the baking dish, open side up. Arrange the shells in a single layer.
   
6. Top with Sauce and Cheese:
   Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top.
   
7. Bake:
   Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   
8. Garnish and Serve:
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
   
9. Serving Suggestions:
   Serve the stuffed shells with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
   Pair with a glass of red wine for a classic Italian dining experience.

Notes

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. Just increase the baking time by a few minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
• Add Protein: For a heartier dish, add cooked ground beef, sausage, or turkey to the cheese mixture.
• Freezing: These stuffed shells freeze well. Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.