There’s something utterly delightful about stuffed pasta shells that makes my heart dance with joy. Picture this: tender pasta embracing a creamy, cheesy filling, all blanketed in rich marinara sauce that bubbles invitingly in the oven. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking, “What’s cooking?” It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
When I first learned to make stuffed pasta shells, I was a nervous wreck. I can still hear my mom’s encouraging voice as she guided me through the process. The moment those shells emerged from the oven, golden and bubbly, I knew this would be a recipe to cherish. Whether you’re serving it for a festive feast or just because it’s Tuesday, this dish promises to bring smiles and satisfied tummies.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Stuffed pasta shells are simple to prepare and make an impressive presentation
- The harmonious blend of flavors will tantalize your taste buds
- Their vibrant appearance makes them an eye-catching centerpiece at any meal
- Plus, they’re versatile; you can easily customize the filling based on your preferences!
The time my friends devoured these shells at a potluck still makes me chuckle. They were so busy raving about how delicious they were that no one even noticed when I snuck a second helping!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Pasta Shells: Opt for large jumbo shells; they hold the filling perfectly and create an amazing presentation.
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Ricotta Cheese: Use fresh ricotta for a creamy texture; it’s the star of your filling!
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Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Grate your own if possible; it melts beautifully and adds gooey goodness.
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Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan offers depth of flavor; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient!
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Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade; either way, it adds zesty flavor to your dish.
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Fresh Basil: This herb brightens up the filling and sauce; chop it finely for best results.
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Garlic Powder: A dash brings out wonderful flavors without overpowering your other ingredients.
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Egg: One egg helps bind the filling together, giving it structure and creaminess.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta shells for about 8-10 minutes until al dente; they should be firm enough to hold their shape.
While the pasta cooks, prepare your filling by combining ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, garlic powder, egg, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir until everything is well mixed—this is where you can sneak in some extra herbs if you’re feeling adventurous!
Once cooked and drained, let the shells cool slightly before handling them. Carefully fill each shell with about two tablespoons of the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag—get ready for some cheesy magic here!
Spread half of your marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a baking dish. Gently place each filled shell into the dish side by side like little soldiers waiting for battle.
Top with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with leftover mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil (to keep things cozy) and bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes until heated through.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top—a sight that will make you swoon!
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving—trust me; you don’t want to burn your tongue on this masterpiece! Garnish with extra basil leaves for color and serve hot.
Now gather around the table with family or friends because stuffed pasta shells are meant to be shared! Enjoy every bite as laughter fills the room—after all, food tastes better when shared with loved ones!
You Must Know
- Stuffed pasta shells are not just a meal; they’re an experience
- These delightful shells offer endless filling possibilities and pair beautifully with various sauces, making dinner a colorful affair
- Their soft, tender pasta embraces flavors like a warm hug, inviting everyone to the table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the pasta shells until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Prepare your filling while they cool. Bake stuffed shells in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes to achieve cheesy perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ricotta for cottage cheese or add spinach for extra nutrients. Top with different sauces like marinara, pesto, or Alfredo to create exciting flavor profiles.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover stuffed pasta shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly stuffed shells, use a piping bag for easy filling without mess
- Always leave some space between shells while baking to allow even heat distribution
- Experiment with different cheeses in your filling for delightful surprises in every bite
Creating stuffed pasta shells always reminds me of family gatherings when my cousin attempted to stuff them with way too much filling! Let’s just say there were a few “pasta explosions,” but we all laughed it off and enjoyed every delicious bite.
FAQ
What can I use as a filling for stuffed pasta shells?
You can fill them with ricotta, spinach, ground meat, or even roasted vegetables.
Can I freeze stuffed pasta shells?
Yes, freeze uncooked or cooked stuffed shells in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
How long do I bake stuffed pasta shells?
Bake them at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Stuffed Pasta Shells
Stuffed pasta shells are a comforting dish that will warm your heart and delight your taste buds. These jumbo pasta shells are filled with a creamy ricotta mixture, topped with rich marinara sauce, and baked to perfection. They’re perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, providing a delightful blend of flavors and textures that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 12 large jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta shells for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and let cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, basil, garlic powder, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Fill each shell with about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce in a baking dish. Place the filled shells side by side in the dish. Top with remaining marinara and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving; garnish with extra basil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (approximately 220g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
