Italian Stuffed Shells are a culinary hug in a bowl, bursting with cheesy goodness and rich tomato flavor. Imagine diving into a plate of plump pasta shells cradling creamy ricotta, savory spinach, and a shower of gooey mozzarella, all baked to perfection. The aroma wafts through the kitchen like a warm invitation, making your taste buds do a little dance.
Picture this: it’s Sunday evening, and you’re surrounded by your favorite people, laughter echoing off the walls as you gather around the table. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience, perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing unexpected guests. With every bite, you’ll savor the delightful blend of flavors that make Italian Stuffed Shells an unforgettable comfort food.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe for Italian Stuffed Shells is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
- The flavor profile is a delightful medley of creamy, cheesy goodness with tangy tomato sauce.
- Visually appealing, these stuffed shells look stunning on any dinner table with their vibrant colors.
- Plus, they are versatile enough to customize based on dietary needs or ingredient availability.
Ingredients for Italian Stuffed Shells
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Jumbo Pasta Shells: These large pasta shells are perfect for holding all that cheesy filling and sauce inside.
- Ricotta Cheese: Opt for whole milk ricotta for creaminess; it pairs beautifully with other cheeses in this dish.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This melty cheese adds gooeyness and binds everything together when baked.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan provides a sharp contrast that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Fresh Spinach: Choose young spinach leaves for their tenderness; they add freshness and nutrition to your stuffing.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce as the base for layering flavors.
- Egg: A single egg helps bind the filling ingredients together so they don’t spill out during baking.
- Garlic Powder: This adds depth to the filling—because let’s face it, garlic makes everything better!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Italian Stuffed Shells
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, you can start preparing those delicious shells.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add jumbo pasta shells and cook them until al dente—about eight minutes. Drain them gently and set them aside on a towel to cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh spinach (you can wilt it slightly beforehand), egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined; think creamy goodness!
Step 4: Fill the Shells
Take each cooked shell and stuff it generously with the filling mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Place filled shells seam-side up in a baking dish coated lightly with marinara sauce at the bottom.
Step 5: Top It Off
Once all shells are filled and nestled comfortably in their saucy bed, pour remaining marinara sauce over them. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top for that glorious melt factor.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent excessive browning) and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Remove foil during the last five minutes so that cheese can get bubbly and golden brown.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra marinara or olive oil for that perfect finishing touch! Enjoy your Italian Stuffed Shells while they are still steaming hot—a true feast fit for an Italian nonna!
You Must Know
- This delightful Italian stuffed shells recipe offers a burst of flavor in every bite.
- The creamy ricotta filling paired with savory marinara sauce makes for an irresistible dish.
- Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling your pasta shells until al dente. While they cook, prepare the filling and sauce simultaneously. Once the shells are ready, stuff them with the filling, then layer them in a baking dish coated with sauce before baking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the ricotta for cottage cheese or add spinach for extra nutrition. Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or Parmesan and try adding herbs like basil for a fresh twist on this classic dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, adding a splash of sauce to keep them moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use large pasta shells for easier stuffing and a more impressive presentation.
- Always taste your filling before stuffing to adjust seasonings as needed.
- Let your dish rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps it hold together when serving.
Sometimes I think my family would eat cardboard if I smothered it in marinara sauce! This Italian stuffed shells recipe has turned dinner into an event that everyone looks forward to each week—who knew cheesy goodness could bring so much joy?
FAQs
What are Italian Stuffed Shells made of?
Italian Stuffed Shells consist of large pasta shells filled with a rich blend of ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. These ingredients create a creamy and flavorful filling. The shells are then topped with marinara sauce, which adds depth to the dish. You can also enhance the filling by adding spinach, herbs, or ground meat if desired. This versatile recipe allows for various adaptations, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a personalized version of this classic Italian dish.
How do you cook Italian Stuffed Shells?
To cook Italian Stuffed Shells, start by boiling the pasta shells in salted water until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Prepare your filling using ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and any additional ingredients you prefer. Stuff each shell generously with the mixture and place them in a baking dish. Cover with marinara sauce and sprinkle more cheese on top before baking in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Can I make Italian Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Italian Stuffed Shells ahead of time. Assemble the dish up to the point of baking and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in a preheated oven. This makes it an excellent choice for meal prep or entertaining guests without last-minute stress.
What sides pair well with Italian Stuffed Shells?
Italian Stuffed Shells pair wonderfully with various sides that complement their rich flavors. A simple green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar adds freshness to the meal. Garlic bread is another excellent choice; its crunchy texture balances the creaminess of the stuffed shells. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli provide additional nutrients and color to your plate while enhancing your dining experience.
Conclusion for Italian Stuffed Shells
In summary, Italian Stuffed Shells are a delightful dish that combines large pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta and other cheesy goodness topped with savory marinara sauce. This recipe is highly adaptable; you can personalize it based on dietary preferences or ingredient availability. Cooking them is straightforward: boil the shells, prepare your filling, stuff each shell, and bake until golden brown. Additionally, you can make these delicious stuffed shells ahead of time for convenience or special occasions. Pair them with fresh salads or garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will love! Enjoy this comforting dish as part of your regular rotation for weeknight dinners or family gatherings!
Italian Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (8 stuffed shells per serving)
Description
Italian Stuffed Shells are a delightful comfort food that brings the essence of Italy to your dinner table. These jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and fresh spinach, all bathed in a rich marinara sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also visually stunning, making every meal feel like a special occasion.
Ingredients
- Jumbo Pasta Shells
- Ricotta Cheese
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Fresh Spinach
- Marinara Sauce
- Egg
- Garlic Powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water for 8 minutes until al dente; drain and cool.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped spinach, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Stuff each shell with the filling; place seam-side up in a baking dish layered with marinara sauce.
- Pour remaining marinara over the shells and top with the rest of the mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; uncover for an additional 5 minutes until golden.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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