Stuffed Shells Recipe

Classic Italian stuffed shells for a perfect family dinner.

Stuffed shells, a classic Italian-American dish, are a delightful way to bring joy to any family dinner. This recipe, brimming with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, and enveloped in a rich marinara sauce, promises a hearty and satisfying meal.

The comfort of pasta and the richness of Italian cheeses make this dish an all-time favorite, perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions. It's a great make-ahead dish, making it ideal for entertaining without the stress. Let’s dive into the world of stuffed shells and create a meal that’s bound to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 1 box (12 ounces) jumbo pasta shells
• 4 cups marinara sauce, divided
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Nutrition

Calories: ~450 calories

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside on a clean kitchen towel to dry.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, the beaten egg, minced garlic, fresh basil, fresh parsley, dried oregano, and finely chopped spinach (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
3. Stuff the Shells: Using a spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell generously with the cheese mixture. Be careful not to overstuff the shells, as they may tear.
4. Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread 2 cups of the marinara sauce over the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer on top of the marinara sauce.
5. Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining 2 cups of marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring that each shell is well coated. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and the additional 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
6. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with extra chopped basil or parsley, if desired. Serve the stuffed shells warm, accompanied by a fresh green salad and some crusty bread.

Enjoy your stuffed shells! This dish is perfect for leftovers and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm throughout. For an added twist, consider mixing in some cooked ground beef or sausage into the cheese filling for a heartier meal. Buon appetito!