Irresistible Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe You’ll Love

There’s something magical about a plate of Classic Stuffed Shells. As you dive into those tender pasta shells, filled to the brim with creamy ricotta and savory herbs, you can’t help but feel like you’ve been transported to a cozy Italian kitchen. classic comfort food like shepherd’s pie The aroma wafts through the air, tickling your senses and promising a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and indulgent. This dish is not just food; it’s an experience that wraps around you like a warm hug.

I remember the first time I made Classic Stuffed Shells for my family. It was a Sunday dinner, and as I pulled the bubbling cheese-covered dish from the oven, my kids’ eyes sparkled with anticipation. They dove in with forks ready, and the sounds of contented munching filled our home. cozy dinner with pesto chicken crepes Every bite was met with delighted “mmms” and requests for seconds—a testament to its deliciousness! Whether it’s a family gathering or just a cozy night in, stuffed shells are always a hit.

I still remember my friend’s face when she took her first bite—pure joy!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Large Pasta Shells: Opt for sturdy shells that can hold generous amounts of filling without breaking apart.
• Ricotta Cheese: Choose fresh ricotta for its creamy texture; it makes all the difference in flavor.
• Shredded Mozzarella: A must-have for that gooey, melty top layer that turns golden brown in the oven.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nutty depth of flavor that complements the other cheeses beautifully.
• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce for added richness.
• Fresh Basil: Chopped basil brightens up flavors and adds a pop of freshness to every bite.
• Garlic Powder: A sprinkle enhances the overall taste without overwhelming other flavors. For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all ingredients and bring out their best flavors.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking later on.

Cook the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook your pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain them gently—no one wants broken shells!

Create Your Filling Mix: In a large bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chopped basil until well combined. The aroma will have you dreaming of Italy.

Stuff Those Shells!: Using a spoon (or your hands if you’re feeling adventurous), fill each shell generously with the cheese mixture. Don’t be shy; they love being packed full!

Add Sauce and Cheese Topping: Spread some marinara sauce evenly at the bottom of your baking dish before placing each stuffed shell upright. Top everything off with more marinara sauce and sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.

Bake Until Golden Brown : Cover your dish with aluminum foil (to keep moisture in) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top—your kitchen will smell divine!

Now you’ve got yourself some Classic Stuffed Shells! Serve hot straight from the oven; watch as everyone digs into this cheesy delight with smiles on their faces! Enjoy every bite knowing you’ve created something truly special—because let’s face it: comfort food isn’t just about taste; it’s about heartwarming moments shared around the table. zesty lemon fettuccine with shrimp elegant shrimp stuffed salmon.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the pasta shells while preparing the ricotta filling. Assemble your dish and bake it until bubbly and golden brown for best results.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ricotta for cottage cheese or add spinach for extra nutrition. Spice it up with herbs or even a hint of red pepper flakes!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes.

Nothing beats the moment when my friends devoured my classic stuffed shells, declaring them “better than Grandma’s!” Their laughter filled the kitchen, reminding me that food truly brings people together. For more inspiration, check out this chewy caramel coconut cookies recipe.

FAQ

Can I use gluten-free pasta for classic stuffed shells?

Yes, gluten-free pasta works well; just adjust cooking times as needed.

How long can I store classic stuffed shells?

You can store them in the fridge for about three days before they lose their charm.

Can I freeze stuffed shells before baking?

Absolutely! Freeze assembled shells and bake them directly from frozen; just add extra baking time.

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Classic Stuffed Shells

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• Author: Mery Mack
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Classic Stuffed Shells are a delightful Italian dish that will transport you straight to a cozy trattoria. These large pasta shells are generously filled with a creamy ricotta mixture, then topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this comforting dish is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.

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Ingredients

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• 12 large pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain gently.
3. In a bowl, combine ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, basil, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each shell with the cheese mixture and place them upright in the baking dish.
5. Spread marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and top with remaining mozzarella.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (200g)
• Calories: 315
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 45mg