Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shells are a beloved comfort food that combines the heartiness of jumbo pasta with a creamy, flavorful filling. I first made these cheesy delights on a chilly evening, and their warmth and richness instantly turned that night into a cozy family gathering. Not only are these shells incredibly filling, but they’re also perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or gatherings with friends. The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, spinach, and marinara is just the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table.

What Makes This Recipe Special

You might be asking yourself, “Why make stuffed shells?” The answer is simple! This recipe is both kid-approved and adult-friendly, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. You can whip it up for a busy weeknight dinner or impress guests at a holiday gathering. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, using affordable ingredients that pack a punch of flavor.

“These stuffed shells are a hit! My kids can’t get enough of them, and I love how easy they are to make!” – A satisfied home cook.

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Making stuffed shells is straightforward, even for novice cooks. Here’s a quick preview of what you will do: cook the pasta, mix up a flavorful cheese filling with spinach, stuff each shell, and then bake them smothered in marinara sauce. The process is intuitive and really allows for some creativity.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before diving into cooking, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:

• Jumbo pasta shells
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed and drained)
• Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 large egg
• Garlic (minced)
• Salt and pepper

If you’re short on time, pre-packaged spinach can save you some prep steps. You can also use cottage cheese in place of ricotta for a lighter option.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
4. Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon or a piping bag.
5. Spread a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Place the stuffed shells in the dish and cover with remaining marinara sauce.
7. Sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan on top for that cheesy goodness.
8. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Best Way to Serve

When it’s time to serve your stuffed shells, consider pairing them with a fresh garden salad drizzled with vinaigrette to balance out the richness. Garlic bread is also a fantastic side that complements the flavors wonderfully. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper can add a delightful kick!

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (which often happens because they are so filling!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven covered with foil until heated through. For longer storage, these stuffed shells freeze remarkably well. Just be sure to wrap them properly to prevent freezer burn, and they can be kept for up to three months!

Pro Chef Tips

To elevate your stuffed shells, don’t skimp on the seasoning. Consider adding oregano, basil, or even a hint of nutmeg to the cheese filling for an extra layer of flavor. If you love a bit of crunch, top with some breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil before baking!

Creative Twists

Feel free to switch things up with your stuffed shells! You can incorporate ground beef or Italian sausage for a heartier filling. For a vegetarian twist, consider adding roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers into the ricotta mix. You can even make them spicy by throwing in some pepper jack cheese or jalapeños!

Helpful FAQs

How long does it take to make stuffed shells?
Creating a delicious batch of stuffed shells takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time, with another 35-40 minutes for baking. All in all, you can have a comforting meal ready in under an hour!

Can I make stuffed shells ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed shells earlier in the day and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

What can I substitute if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese is a fantastic alternative. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using blended tofu with some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Now you’re all set to create this tasty dish! Dive in, enjoy the process, and savor every cheesy bite of your stuffed shells.

Cheesy Stuffed Shells

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• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and spinach mixture, baked to perfection with marinara sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
4. Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon or a piping bag.
5. Spread a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Place the stuffed shells in the dish and cover with remaining marinara sauce.
7. Sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
8. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with a fresh garden salad and garlic bread. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to three months.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: stuffed shells, pasta, cheesy, comfort food, baked pasta