Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shells are a delicious Italian-American comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners. This dish is made with large pasta shells that are cooked, then filled with a creamy cheese mixture, and baked in a flavorful tomato sauce until warm and bubbly. The result is a cheesy, saucy, and comforting meal that makes everyone happy around the table. Stuffed shells are similar to lasagna but much easier to assemble, making them a great choice for weeknight dinners or when you need a dish to feed a crowd.

The best part about stuffed shells is how customizable they are. You can keep them vegetarian with just cheese and herbs, or add ground beef, sausage, or even shredded chicken for extra protein. They are kid-friendly, make-ahead friendly, and perfect for leftovers.

You Should Try the Stuffed Shells Recipe

If you love pasta and cheese, you will absolutely adore this stuffed shells recipe. It is creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection with a rich tomato sauce. This recipe is not only tasty but also fun to make because you get to fill each shell by hand. Kids can help too, making it a great family cooking project. The aroma while it bakes will fill your kitchen and make everyone excited for dinner.

Ingredients for Stuffed Shells

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Stuffed Shells

• 20–25 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese plus extra for topping
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups marinara sauce homemade or store-bought
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional

How to Make Stuffed Shells

Step One

The first thing you need to do is cook the pasta shells. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente. Drain carefully and place them on a baking sheet to prevent them from sticking together.

Step Two

Now, let’s prepare the cheese filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step Three

Then fill the shells. Using a spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell with a generous amount of the cheese mixture. Arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet. Add the sauce and cheese. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, making sure to cover all the shells. Sprinkle more mozzarella cheese on top.

Step Four

Now, it’s time to bake cover the tray with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Finally, you can serve garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.

Kitchen Equipment Needed :

Before starting, make sure you have the following items:

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander for draining pasta
• Large mixing bowl
• Spoon or small spatula for filling shells
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil
• Oven mitts

Tips for the Best Stuffed Shells

Do not overcook the pasta shells They will continue to cook in the oven.

Use a piping bag or plastic sandwich bag Snip off the tip to make filling the shells easier and less messy.

Make ahead Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Add protein Mix cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken into the cheese filling for a heartier version.

Serving Suggestion

Honestly, I like to serve this dish to my small family or friends with a green salad or grilled vegetables. As for drinks, I like to serve it with a smoothie or a refreshing drink.

Frequently Asked Question

Can I freeze stuffed shells ?

Absolutely. Freeze before baking for best results. When ready to eat, bake straight from frozen, adding about 15 extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I keep pasta shells from sticking together ?

After draining, place shells on a baking sheet and drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Can I make this dish gluten-free ?

Yes, just use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells and a gluten-free marinara sauce.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe ?

Yes! Finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini can be added to the cheese mixture for extra nutrition.

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