Stuffed Shells
When I think of comfort food, Stuffed Shells is one dish that immediately springs to mind. Picture a cozy evening spent in the kitchen, the aroma of baked pasta filling the air as I prepare this delightful meal. It’s a dish that brings back memories of family gatherings, laughter, and the warmth of home-cooked meals. As I fill those tender shells with creamy cheese and fresh herbs, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride. Each bite of Stuffed Shells is like a hug on a plate, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special celebration.
Recipe Snapshot
60 mins
15 mins
45 mins
Medium
450 kcal
20 g
Gluten-Free
22 g
Saucepan, Oven, Wooden Spoon, Baking Sheet, Food Processor, Skillet, Chef’s Knife, Frying Pan, Large Pot
What’s Great About This Stuffed Shells
It’s All About Comfort
One of the greatest things about Stuffed Shells is how comforting it feels. The combination of flavors and textures creates a symphony in your mouth. As you dig into a cheesy shell, the warmth of the marinara sauce wraps around you like a soft blanket, making even the coldest nights feel cozy.
Perfect for Feeding a Crowd
When hosting friends or family, Stuffed Shells is a fantastic choice. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also tends to disappear quickly, leaving everyone satisfied. The beauty is that you can make a large batch, and it holds up beautifully, even as leftovers.
Versatile and Customizable
I love how Stuffed Shells allows for personal touches. While I have my go-to recipe, you can easily swap ingredients based on preferences or dietary needs. Want to throw in some spinach? Go for it! Experimenting with fillings is part of the fun.
Make-Ahead Magic
Another reason to love Stuffed Shells is that you can prepare it ahead of time. Whether you’re prepping for a busy week or making meals for guests, these shells can be assembled and stored in the fridge or freezer, ready to pop in the oven when needed. This makes mealtime so much simpler!
A Family Tradition
For many, including myself, Stuffed Shells is a dish that ties us to family traditions. Whether it’s a recipe passed down from Grandma or a new twist created by a family member, there’s something special about sharing this meal with loved ones. It’s a reminder of where we come from and the connections we cherish.
What You’ll Need for Stuffed Shells
Gathering the right ingredients is essential for making delicious Stuffed Shells. Each component plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. You’ll find that the key players, like ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and marinara sauce, work together in harmony to create a dish that is both satisfying and memorable.
- 20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked to package instructions
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, divided
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup parsley, plus more to garnish
How to Make Stuffed Shells
Making Stuffed Shells is a delightful experience, and I can’t wait to share the steps with you. Each stage builds excitement as the flavors come together, creating a dish that’s sure to impress. Let’s dive right into the deliciousness!
Cook Pasta: Start by preheating your oven to 375˚F. Cook the jumbo pasta shells in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions. Stir them several times to prevent sticking. Once they’re al dente, drain the shells and fill the pot with cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps keep the shells from sticking to each other.
Make Sauce: In a deep pan over medium-high heat, pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes softened and golden, about 3 to 5 minutes. Next, toss in the minced garlic, along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of oregano. Stir constantly for another minute until the garlic is fragrant. Add in the marinara sauce, bringing it to a uniform boil before letting it simmer for 2 minutes. Pour this delicious sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 casserole dish.
Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, 1/3 cup of parmesan cheese, 1 egg, and 1/4 cup of parsley. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined, creating a rich filling.
Stuff Shells: Now it’s time to fill those shells! Using a 1/2 ice cream scoop, fill each shell generously, but be careful not to overstuff. Place the filled shells in a single layer over the marinara sauce in the casserole dish. Once you’ve arranged them, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
Bake: Cover the dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, keeping an eye on the edges where the sauce should be bubbling. After the time has passed, remove the foil and switch on the broiler for an additional 2 to 4 minutes to lightly brown the cheese. Once it reaches a golden hue, take it out of the oven and garnish with a sprinkle of parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy Stuffed Shells!
Things Worth Knowing
- Cooking Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta shells al dente, as they’ll continue to cook when baked. This prevents them from becoming mushy.
- Sauce Selection: Using a high-quality marinara sauce can elevate the dish significantly. Don’t hesitate to try homemade sauce for a personal touch!
- Cheese Quality: Choose fresh cheeses for the filling. They enhance flavor and texture, making your dish unforgettable.
- Baking Tips: Cover the dish with foil during baking to keep moisture in, but uncover it towards the end to achieve that delightful golden crust.
Customization Ideas
If you’re looking to make your Stuffed Shells even more unique, here are some great ideas to consider:
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate finely chopped spinach or bell peppers to the cheese filling for added nutrition and flavor.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese or a blend for a unique twist. Consider using feta for a Mediterranean flair.
- Spice it Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the filling or sauce for a little heat that packs a punch.
- Different Sauces: While marinara is classic, feel free to experiment with alfredo or pesto sauces that can change the flavor profile entirely.
- Herbs and Seasonings: Play around with fresh herbs like basil or rosemary to create layers of flavor in your dish.
- Meat Addition: For a heartier option, consider adding cooked ground beef or sausage to the cheese mixture for a protein boost.
Best Served With
Pairing your Stuffed Shells with the right side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some suggestions:
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread to complement the cheesy goodness and soak up extra sauce.
- Salad: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the shells.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans add color and nutrients to your plate.
- Wine Pairing: If you enjoy wine, a light white wine can balance the meal, especially if you choose a creamy sauce.
- Seasonal Sides: Consider serving with roasted vegetables in the fall, or a crisp cucumber salad in summer for a delightful twist.
- Occasions: These Stuffed Shells are perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries.
FAQ
Conclusion
In summary, Stuffed Shells stand out as a delightful comfort food that brings warmth and joy to the dinner table. Each bite is filled with creamy goodness, making it a dish everyone will love. I encourage you to try making these Stuffed Shells for your next family meal or gathering. You won’t be disappointed!
Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook Pasta: Start by preheating your oven to 375˚F. Cook the jumbo pasta shells in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions. Stir them several times to prevent sticking. Once they’re al dente, drain the shells and fill the pot with cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps keep the shells from sticking to each other.
- Make Sauce: In a deep pan over medium-high heat, pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes softened and golden, about 3 to 5 minutes. Next, toss in the minced garlic, along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of oregano. Stir constantly for another minute until the garlic is fragrant. Add in the marinara sauce, bringing it to a uniform boil before letting it simmer for 2 minutes. Pour this delicious sauce into the bottom of a 9x13 casserole dish.
- Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, 1/3 cup of parmesan cheese, 1 egg, and 1/4 cup of parsley. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined, creating a rich filling.
- Stuff Shells: Now it’s time to fill those shells! Using a 1/2 ice cream scoop, fill each shell generously, but be careful not to overstuff. Place the filled shells in a single layer over the marinara sauce in the casserole dish. Once you’ve arranged them, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, keeping an eye on the edges where the sauce should be bubbling. After the time has passed, remove the foil and switch on the broiler for an additional 2 to 4 minutes to lightly brown the cheese. Once it reaches a golden hue, take it out of the oven and garnish with a sprinkle of parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy Stuffed Shells!
Notes
- Storage: How to store leftovers: Place any remaining Stuffed Shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Can you freeze this? Yes! Before baking, assemble the shells and freeze them for up to 2 months. Just thaw before baking.
- Pairing: What to serve with this: A fresh salad and garlic bread are perfect accompaniments.
- Vegetarian Option: You can easily make these shells vegetarian by using a vegetable marinara and adding more veggies to the filling.
- Serving Size: One serving typically includes 2 to 3 stuffed shells, depending on appetite.
