There’s nothing quite like the enticing aroma of stuffed shells wafting from the kitchen, promising a deliciously cheesy adventure. Picture this: large pasta shells cradling a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and herbs—each bite bursting with flavor and comfort. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an impromptu gathering with friends, these stuffed shells bring people together in the best way possible.
I remember the first time I made stuffed shells; my kitchen looked like a cheese factory exploded, and I had more pasta on my shirt than on the baking dish. But as soon as we sat down to eat, all chaos faded away in the blissful harmony of cheesy goodness. It was one of those nights where laughter echoed louder than any cooking disaster.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These stuffed shells are easy to prepare, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings
- The rich flavors will have your family begging for seconds
- They look stunning when plated, making any meal feel special
- Plus, they are versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients or leftovers
My friend once declared me a “stuffed shell savant” after devouring three servings in one sitting.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Large Pasta Shells: Choose high-quality pasta that can hold up well during baking and stuffing.
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Ricotta Cheese: Look for creamy ricotta; it adds richness to the filling that you won’t want to miss.
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Shredded Mozzarella: Opt for fresh mozzarella for gooey texture or pre-shredded for convenience.
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Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty flavor that elevates the whole dish.
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Fresh Herbs: Basil and parsley work wonders; fresh is always better than dried.
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Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce or homemade; it ties everything together beautifully.
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Egg: A single egg helps bind the filling, ensuring perfection in every bite.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Pasta Shells: Begin by boiling water in a large pot and adding a generous pinch of salt. Once bubbling, add the pasta shells and cook until al dente—about 8-10 minutes works well.
Prepare the Filling: While waiting for those shells to cook, mix ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, chopped herbs, and an egg in a bowl. Stir until everything is blended and season generously with salt and pepper.
Assemble Stuffed Shells: Drain cooked shells and let cool slightly. Spoon heaping tablespoons of filling into each shell gently—don’t overstuff unless you want them to explode like fireworks!
Add Marinara Sauce: Spread half of your marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking. Place filled shells open-side up in the dish before covering with remaining sauce.
Bake Away!: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top and cover with foil. Bake for 25 minutes before removing foil to let cheese get bubbly and golden brown.
Serve It Up!: Allow them to cool slightly before digging in—trust me; molten cheese can be deceiving! Garnish with extra herbs if you’re feeling fancy.
Enjoy these stuffed shells hot out of the oven; they’ll warm both bellies and hearts alike!
You Must Know
- Stuffed shells are a crowd-pleasing dish that you can customize
- Experiment with fillings and sauces for unique flavor combinations
- The aroma of baked cheese will make your kitchen feel like an Italian bistro, enticing everyone to the dinner table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the shells until al dente; they’ll finish cooking in the oven. Prepare the filling while they cool down, then stuff and layer with sauce before baking for perfect results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ricotta for cottage cheese or add sautéed spinach for extra nutrition. Top with fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through, ensuring gooey cheese perfection.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly stuffed shells, use a piping bag to fill them quickly and neatly
- Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should be firm enough to hold its shape
- Pair with garlic bread and salad for a complete meal
The first time I made stuffed shells was for a family gathering, and everyone raved about them! It felt amazing to see my loved ones enjoy something I created with my own hands.
FAQ
Can I freeze stuffed shells before baking?
Yes, freeze them unbaked; just add extra time when baking from frozen.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese or cream cheese work well as tasty alternatives in this recipe.
How do I know when my stuffed shells are done?
They should be golden on top and bubbly around the edges when fully baked.
Stuffed Shells
Stuffed shells are a delightful comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. These large pasta shells are generously filled with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and fresh herbs, all bathed in rich marinara sauce. Perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers, this dish is easy to prepare and offers endless customization options. Enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil salted water in a large pot, add pasta shells, and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and cool slightly.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, herbs, egg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Fill each pasta shell with the cheese mixture.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish and arrange stuffed shells open-side up. Cover with remaining marinara and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (about 250g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
