Lasagna Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe

Lasagna Stuffed Pasta Shells is a delicious and innovative twist on traditional lasagna. Instead of layering sheets of pasta, this dish uses jumbo pasta shells, stuffed with a rich and flavorful combination of cheese, meat, and marinara sauce. These stuffed shells are then baked to perfection with a gooey, golden cheese topping, making it a comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta Shells

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente (usually around 9-10 minutes). Be careful not to overcook the shells, as they will continue to soften when baked.
2. Drain and Cool: Once cooked, drain the pasta shells in a colander and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the shells aside to drain completely.

Preparing the Cheese Filling

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Then, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. Once the ground beef mixture is ready, let it cool slightly before adding it to the cheese mixture.
3. Mix the Meat and Cheese: Add the cooked ground beef mixture to the cheese filling and stir until the beef is evenly distributed throughout. This mixture will be used to stuff the pasta shells.

Making the Marinara Sauce

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (optional), salt, and black pepper. Stir well and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Assembling the Stuffed Shells

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Stuff the Pasta Shells: Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese and ground beef mixture. Don’t overstuff, as you want to ensure the filling stays inside the shells.
3. Arrange in the Baking Dish: Pour a thin layer of marinara sauce into the bottom of your baking dish (9×13-inch). Place the stuffed shells in the dish, arranging them in a single layer. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the shells, making sure each shell is covered with sauce.
4. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the stuffed shells, covering them evenly.

Baking the Lasagna Stuffed Shells

1. Cover with Foil: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning.
2. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
3. Let it Rest: Once the shells are baked, let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.

Serving Suggestions

Lasagna Stuffed Pasta Shells can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas to complement the dish:

1. Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the delicious marinara sauce.
2. Salad: A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the stuffed shells.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers make great vegetable sides for this dish.
4. Parmesan Cheese: Serve with extra grated Parmesan cheese for an added touch of flavor.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is versatile, and there are many ways you can customize it to suit your preferences:

1. Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with a mixture of vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini for a delicious vegetarian option.
2. Use Chicken: Ground chicken or turkey can be substituted for the ground beef to make the dish lighter.
3. Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinara sauce for a little heat.
4. Different Cheese: Try swapping out the ricotta for cottage cheese or the mozzarella for provolone for a different flavor profile.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Jumbo pasta shells can tear easily if overcooked, so be sure to cook them al dente.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated cheese tends to melt better and gives the dish a smoother texture.
• Make Ahead: Lasagna Stuffed Pasta Shells can be prepared ahead of time. Assemble the dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes if baking from cold.
• Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allow the stuffed shells to rest for a few minutes after baking to ensure the filling stays intact when you serve them.

Conclusion

Lasagna Stuffed Pasta Shells are a hearty, comforting, and crowd-pleasing meal that puts a creative spin on the classic lasagna. The combination of tender pasta, rich filling, and savory marinara sauce makes this dish irresistible. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it’s a meal that can be customized to suit various tastes and preferences. Enjoy this twist on a classic Italian favorite!

Yield: 6

Lasagna Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe

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Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful fusion of crispy fried chicken pieces smothered in a rich, sticky honey garlic sauce that’s both sweet and savory. It’s the perfect comfort food, providing a delicious balance of textures and flavors. This dish is easy to make at home and will remind you of your favorite takeout experience. The crispy coating on the chicken, combined with the sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, creates a perfect balance that will have you coming back for more.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Stuffed Shells:
• 12 large pasta shells
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For Topping:
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta Shells:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions (about 9 minutes), until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
   
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
   While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
   Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until softened.
   Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
   
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
   In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
   
4. Stuff the Pasta Shells:
   Once the pasta shells are cool enough to handle, carefully stuff each shell with the ricotta cheese mixture. Be generous with the filling.
   
5. Assemble the Dish:
   Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
   Place the stuffed shells seam-side down into the baking dish. Continue filling and placing the shells until the dish is full.
   Pour the remaining meat sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure each shell is well covered.
   Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
   
6. Bake the Stuffed Shells:
   Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
   After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
   
7. Serve:
   Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
   Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Notes

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed shells a day in advance. Simply assemble the dish and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and use a combination of spinach and mushrooms for a vegetarian version.