Introduction and Quick Summary

If you’re searching for a comforting dish that brings together the warmth of home cooking and the joy of family meals, look no further than this stuffed pasta shells recipe. These delightful pasta pockets are filled with a savory mixture of ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and fresh herbs, making them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Perfectly baked in marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese, each bite is an explosion of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This stuffed pasta shells recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize the filling to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you prefer classic cheese filling or want to add vegetables or meat, these stuffed shells will adapt beautifully. This dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Plus, it’s great for meal prep—simply make a batch ahead of time and reheat when you’re ready to eat.

In this article, we will break down the essential ingredients needed for this recipe and guide you through the preparation steps in detail. By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge necessary to create a mouthwatering plate of stuffed pasta shells that impresses your guests and satisfies your cravings.

Main Ingredients

Large Pasta Shells

Large pasta shells form the base of this dish. They provide a sturdy vessel to hold the rich filling. For this recipe, you’ll need about 20 jumbo pasta shells. Cook them according to package instructions until they are al dente; this ensures they maintain their shape while being filled and baked.

Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta cheese is a key ingredient in our stuffing mixture. You’ll need about 15 ounces for this recipe. Its creamy texture blends seamlessly with other cheeses and adds moisture to the filling. Ricotta also has a mild flavor that allows other ingredients to shine through. If you prefer a lighter version, you can opt for part-skim ricotta.

Mozzarella Cheese

For a cheesy delight, include shredded mozzarella cheese in your filling as well as on top before baking. Approximately 2 cups of shredded mozzarella will do nicely. This cheese melts beautifully and creates that gooey texture everyone loves in baked dishes.

Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan cheese adds depth and richness to your stuffing mixture. Use about half a cup of freshly grated Parmesan. Its sharpness complements the creaminess of ricotta and mozzarella perfectly while adding an umami flavor that elevates the overall taste.

Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs play an important role in bringing vibrancy to your dish. You’ll need 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley mixed into your filling. They contribute freshness and brightness that balance out the richness of the cheeses.

Marinara Sauce

Marinara sauce serves as both a flavorful base for baking your stuffed shells and enhances their overall taste profile. Use around 3 cups of store-bought or homemade marinara sauce spread across the bottom of your baking dish before placing the stuffed shells on top.

Egg

An egg acts as a binder in your stuffing mixture to hold everything together firmly. You only need one large egg for this recipe; whisk it lightly before mixing it with the cheeses and herbs.

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How to Prepare Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe

Step 1: Cook Pasta Shells

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat. Once boiling, carefully add your jumbo pasta shells into the water. Follow package directions for cooking time; typically it takes around 8-10 minutes for al dente texture. Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking.

Once cooked, drain them in a colander but do not rinse them—this helps retain some starch which aids in holding sauce later on while baking. Spread cooked shells out on parchment paper or lightly greased baking sheet so they don’t stick together while cooling down before filling them.

Step 2: Prepare Filling Mixture

While waiting for your pasta shells to cool slightly, grab a large mixing bowl where you will prepare your filling mixture! Combine ricotta cheese (15 ounces), shredded mozzarella (1 cup reserved aside), freshly grated Parmesan (½ cup), chopped basil (2 tablespoons), chopped parsley (2 tablespoons), salt (½ teaspoon), pepper (¼ teaspoon), along with one whisked egg into the bowl.

Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined—ensure there are no lumps remaining from ricotta! This step is crucial; uniform consistency ensures even distribution throughout each shell during baking process later on!

Step 3: Fill Pasta Shells

Now comes an exciting part—filling those lovely cooked pasta shells! Take one shell at a time using either spoon or piping bag fitted with large round tip if preferred method is cleaner approach without mess!

Gently fill each shell with about two tablespoons worth of prepared cheese mixture—be generous but avoid overstuffing as they need space while expanding slightly during baking process! Place filled shell side-by-side into prepared baking dish coated generously with marinara sauce spread evenly across bottom layer prior adding filled pieces above.

Repeat until all filled-shells have been placed snugly next together within dish allowing small gaps between if necessary—they’ll expand when bubbling away later!

Step 4: Add Sauce & Bake

With all those beautiful stuffed shells nestled comfortably inside their delicious marinara bed ready now comes time add final touches before popping into oven! Pour remaining marinara sauce atop finished arrangement ensuring even coverage across all exposed surfaces eliminating any dry spots while sprinkling remaining shredded mozzarella over top evenly as well!

Cover tightly with aluminum foil preventing too much steam escaping during its bake cycle—a must keep moisture levels high yielding tender results! Preheat oven beforehand at 375°F (190°C) then place covered dish onto middle rack allowing it bake undisturbed between 25-30 minutes depending upon how bubbly/done appearance looks once time reaches end mark reveal golden edges!

Afterward uncover foil allow additional five minutes broiling optional step brings out extra browning effect desired surface finish making irresistible final presentation achieved here!

Serving and Storing Tips

Serving Suggestions

Once baked perfectly golden brown remove from oven allowing rest period five minutes minimum before serving hot directly from dish itself! Garnish optional sprinkle freshly chopped parsley atop plated servings enticing aroma wafting inviting guests’ appetites up even more! Pair alongside crisp green salad drizzled light vinaigrette dressing complement perfect balance against richness provided here within cheesy goodness presented today!

Consider offering selection garlic bread slices warmed gently oven serve alongside offering guests choice dipping into leftover marinara sauce creating additional layers flavors experienced throughout meal enjoyed together without fuss making evenings unforgettable moments shared gathered around table together enjoying comfort food such as this!

Storing Leftovers

If by chance any leftovers remain after delightful feast enjoyed don’t fret—these tasty treats store well keeping flavors intact! Allow cooled-down leftovers transferred properly airtight container stored refrigerator where they last easily three-four days maximum before deterioration begins occurring although best consumed within first two days ideally retaining freshest quality possible!

To reheat simply preheat oven back up again around 350°F (175°C) cover loosely with foil heat until warmed through approximately fifteen minutes average test every few minutes checking so nothing burns bottom layer achieves crispy finish desired still warm throughout entire shell experience retained thoroughly once again enjoyed bites taken delightfully shared amongst friends potentially exploring new tastes rediscovered here today!

Mistakes to avoid

When preparing a stuffed pasta shells recipe, several common mistakes can hinder your culinary success. One key mistake is overcooking the pasta. While it might seem like a good idea to cook the shells until they are very soft, this can lead to them falling apart during stuffing and baking. Ideally, cook the shells until they are al dente, allowing them to hold their shape and texture when baked.

Another frequent error is skimping on the filling. A common misconception is that less filling means fewer calories; however, underfilling your shells can lead to bland results. Ensure you use enough filling to provide a satisfying taste in every bite. This is especially important when using a cheese or meat mixture; balance flavors and ensure each shell delivers a punch of flavor.

Using the wrong sauce can also be detrimental. Some cooks may opt for a store-bought sauce that lacks depth or flavor. Instead, consider making a simple homemade marinara or béchamel sauce, which can elevate your dish significantly. The right sauce complements the stuffed pasta and enhances overall taste.

Lastly, neglecting proper seasoning is another pitfall. It’s essential to season not just the filling but also the sauce and pasta water liberally with salt. This step allows layers of flavor to develop throughout the dish, ensuring every component tastes delicious.

Tips and tricks

To create an unforgettable stuffed pasta shells recipe, incorporating some tips and tricks can make all the difference. First, always prepare your ingredients ahead of time. Having everything ready before you start cooking will streamline your process and reduce stress in the kitchen. This includes chopping vegetables, grating cheese, or measuring spices.

Another effective tip is to use a pastry bag for stuffing the shells. Filling pasta shells can be a messy task; however, using a pastry bag makes it much easier and cleaner. Simply fill the bag with your chosen filling and pipe it directly into each shell without creating too much mess.

When assembling your dish, consider layering your ingredients strategically. Start with some sauce at the bottom of your baking dish before placing in the stuffed shells. This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking while adding moisture to the dish. After placing all filled shells in the dish, top with additional sauce and cheese for that melty perfection everyone loves.

Additionally, let your assembled dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld together nicely while making it easier to serve without falling apart.

Suggestions for stuffed pasta shells recipe

When crafting an incredible stuffed pasta shells recipe, specific suggestions focus on enhancing both flavor and presentation. First off, experiment with different fillings beyond traditional ricotta or mozzarella blends. You could add spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and taste variations that surprise your family or guests.

Using fresh herbs can significantly elevate your dish’s flavor profile as well. Consider incorporating basil or parsley into your filling mixture or garnishing with these herbs before serving for an aromatic touch that enhances visual appeal too.

Pairing sides wisely also contributes to an enjoyable meal experience—serve alongside garlic bread or a crisp salad tossed with vinaigrette for balance against the rich flavors of stuffed pasta shells.

Finally, don’t forget about leftovers! Stuffed pasta shells often taste even better after resting in the fridge overnight as flavors develop further over time. Consider preparing extra servings so you have delicious meals ready for busy weeknights!

FAQs

What is the best way to store leftover stuffed pasta shells?

Storing leftover stuffed pasta shells requires careful attention to maintain freshness. Allow any remaining shells to cool completely before transferring them into an airtight container. Ensure you layer parchment paper between layers if stacking them; this prevents sticking together during storage.

You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for longer preservation—up to three months works well if properly sealed against freezer burn! When reheating frozen leftovers, ensure they thaw thoroughly before warming in an oven set at 350°F until heated through evenly.

Can I prepare stuffed pasta shells in advance?

Absolutely! Preparing your stuffed pasta shells ahead of time is not only possible but highly convenient too! You may assemble everything beforehand—fill each shell with desired ingredients—and arrange them neatly within a baking dish topped with sauce before covering tightly with foil.

Store it inside your fridge overnight or freeze it if you wish longer storage options! If refrigerated overnight, bake directly from cold when ready; however, allow extra baking time since they will need more time than usual if chilled prior!

What type of cheese works best for stuffing?

Choosing cheese for stuffing plays a crucial role in achieving optimal flavor! Ricotta cheese serves as one of the most popular choices due its creamy texture paired harmoniously alongside mozzarella or parmesan cheeses offering both creaminess & sharpness respectively!

For something different try goat cheese which adds distinct tanginess that pairs well alongside herbs like basil—creating delightful contrasts within every bite!

How do I cook perfect pasta shells?

Cooking perfect pasta requires following specific techniques! Begin by boiling water seasoned generously with salt—a crucial step ensuring flavorful noodles! Add dried shell-shaped pasta carefully once water reaches rolling boil; follow package directions regarding timing since various brands may differ slightly!

Aim towards al dente texture where they remain firm yet tender enough when biting down—this ensures they maintain structural integrity while being filled later on!

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes! Gluten-free variants exist catering those who require dietary adjustments without sacrificing enjoyment from their meals! Many brands now offer gluten-free alternatives made from rice flour or quinoa providing similar textures enabling you still enjoy deliciously-stuffed dishes despite restrictions!

Just remember cooking times may vary compared traditional wheat-based pastas so keep an eye out during preparation ensuring desired doneness remains achievable!

What are some great sauces for stuffed pasta?

Choosing sauces greatly influences overall satisfaction derived from consumed dishes! Marinara stands out as classic choice providing robust tomato flavors complemented by garlic & herbs—ideal pairing alongside cheesy fillings!

Alternatively consider béchamel sauce featuring creamy white base adding richness elevating experience further beyond expectations while ensuring harmony across palate too!

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering a delicious stuffed pasta shells recipe involves avoiding common pitfalls such as overcooking pasta and skimping on fillings while taking advantage of helpful tips like using pastry bags during assembly processes leading towards more refined presentations overall! Implementing suggestions regarding fresh ingredients & thoughtful pairings allows elevating meals even more significantly!

Remaining mindful about storing leftovers correctly ensures nobody misses out on enjoying scrumptiousness experienced through creative culinary endeavors either—truly enacting love expressed through food onto plates served proudly around family tables everywhere!

Easy Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe for Dinner

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• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Bring Italian comfort to your dinner table with these delicious stuffed pasta shells! Filled with a creamy ricotta mixture and topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook Pasta Shells: Boil pasta shells in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water.
2. Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, 1/2 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
3. Stuff Shells: Spoon the ricotta mixture into each cooked shell.
4. Assemble: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the stuffed shells on top. Cover with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

• Add cooked spinach or ground beef to the ricotta filling for a twist.
• This dish freezes well; assemble the shells in a baking dish, cover tightly, and freeze before baking.
• Serve with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g