Classic Stuffed Shells: Comforting Italian Delight Recipe

Classic stuffed shells are like edible hugs, cradling creamy ricotta and savory marinara in their tender embrace. Picture a cozy evening where the aroma of garlic wafts through the air, mingling with bubbling cheese, enticing everyone to gather around the table. cozy pumpkin bars These delightful pasta pockets are not just food; they’re a celebration of comfort and togetherness that instantly transports you to an Italian grandmother’s kitchen. easy pumpkin dump cake.

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Now, if you want to impress your friends or family (or just yourself because why not?), making classic stuffed shells is the way to go. They bring all the feels—warm, cheesy goodness that practically melts in your mouth! Perfect for Sunday dinners, casual gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a sprinkle of joy and a dash of cheese. Get ready for an amazing flavor experience that’ll make you feel like a kitchen superstar! For more inspiration, check out this chewy caramel cookies recipe.

Every time my family sits down to enjoy classic stuffed shells, it’s like magic fills the room. My Aunt Mary once declared she could eat them every day for a year, which is quite a compliment coming from her!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Look for large shells that can hold all that cheesy goodness inside without breaking.
• Ricotta Cheese: Opt for whole milk ricotta for creaminess; it makes each bite luxurious.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The more cheese, the better! Use fresh mozzarella for gooey deliciousness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated adds depth; avoid the stuff in a can if you want real flavor.
• Marinara Sauce: Homemade or store-bought works; choose one with simple ingredients for the best taste.
• Fresh Basil or Spinach: Adds freshness and color; you can use either based on your preference.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances overall flavor; it’s hard to go wrong with a little extra! For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe.
• Egg: Helps bind everything together and adds richness to the filling.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate every ingredient’s flavor profile.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare everything else. delicious oven baked butternut squash It’s like getting your dance floor ready before the party begins.

Cook the Pasta Shells: Boil salted water and cook pasta shells until al dente—about 8-10 minutes works well. Drain and cool slightly before handling them.

Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, half of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and chopped basil/spinach until well combined. It should smell heavenly!

Stuff Those Shells!: Carefully fill each shell with about two tablespoons of filling using a spoon or piping bag. Think of it as giving each shell a little cheesy hug.

Add Marinara Sauce: Spread some marinara sauce at the bottom of your baking dish before placing stuffed shells on top. Then drizzle more sauce over each filled shell generously.

Bake Until Golden Brown: Cover with foil and bake for about 30 minutes. Remove foil and sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top; bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Serve hot and watch as your loved ones devour these classic stuffed shells! Enjoy every moment as they relish those hearty bites filled with cheesy delight and tangy marinara sauce. hearty butternut squash casserole You’ll be hailed as the pasta wizard in no time!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the pasta shells until al dente, then prepare your filling while they cool down. Assemble everything in a baking dish and top with sauce before baking to perfection.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses in the filling, or add spinach for extra nutrition. You can also switch up the sauce by using pesto or Alfredo for a unique twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover stuffed shells 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, about 20 minutes.

I remember the first time I made classic stuffed shells for my family; my grandma’s recipe was a hit! Their delighted faces made all the effort worthwhile and turned me into a stuffed-shell aficionado.

FAQ

Can I use other types of pasta?

While classic stuffed shells are traditional, you can use manicotti or even large conchiglie pasta.

What can I do if my filling is too runny?

If your filling seems too wet, add breadcrumbs or more cheese to thicken it up.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the stuffed shells and refrigerate them before baking for easier meal prep.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Classic Stuffed Shells

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• Author: Emma Taylor
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Classic stuffed shells are a delightful Italian dish that combines the creamy richness of ricotta cheese with a savory marinara sauce, all enveloped in tender pasta shells. This comforting recipe is perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, offering an unforgettable flavor experience. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can impress your loved ones and create a meal that feels like a warm hug.

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Ingredients

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• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup fresh spinach or basil (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 large egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil salted water and cook pasta shells until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and cool.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, spinach/basil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Carefully fill each shell with about two tablespoons of the filling.
5. Spread some marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish; place filled shells on top and drizzle with more sauce.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes; uncover, add remaining mozzarella, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (about 250g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 70mg