Stuffed Shells: A Cheesy Delight

Introduction

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm dish of stuffed shells fresh out of the oven. I recently made this recipe for stuffed shells for my family, and it was a hit from the very first bite. The combination of creamy ricotta, wilted spinach, and gooey mozzarella layered within tender pasta shells created a satisfying meal that everyone enjoyed. The best part? It’s simple to prepare and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. If you’re looking for a dish that brings smiles to the dinner table, this stuffed shells recipe is a must-try!

Ingredients

• 18-20 jumbo pasta shells (boil extra in case some break)
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups spinach
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 2 tbsp cream cheese
• 1 large egg
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Seasonings:

• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp dried parsley
• ½ tsp dried oregano

Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook Pasta Shells:

Boil the jumbo pasta shells in salted water for 1 minute less than al dente, approximately 13 minutes (refer to package instructions). Drain and gently rinse with cold water to prevent sticking, then set aside.

Sauté Spinach and Garlic:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the spinach and toss to coat, cooking for about 3 minutes or until wilted. Set aside to cool.

Prepare Cheese Filling:

In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese with salt, pepper, basil, parsley, and oregano. Add half of the mozzarella cheese, most of the Parmesan (reserving some for topping), cream cheese, and the egg. Stir until smooth, then fold in the cooled spinach and garlic mixture.

Assemble Stuffed Shells:

Spread half of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish (or a 12-inch oven-safe skillet). Fill each pasta shell with the cheese mixture and arrange them in the dish. Top with the remaining marinara sauce, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and reserved Parmesan.

Bake:

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve:

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm, ideally with garlic bread.

Enjoy this comforting, cheesy classic stuffed shells dish!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 6
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve

• Serve warm directly from the baking dish.
• Pair with garlic bread for a delicious accompaniment.
• Offer a fresh side salad for a balanced meal.
• Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs for added flavor.
• Provide red pepper flakes on the side for those who enjoy a little heat.

Additional Tips

1. Extra Shells: Always boil a few extra pasta shells in case some break during cooking.
2. Spinach Options: Feel free to use frozen spinach—just be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the filling.
3. Cheese Variations: Mix in other cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a unique flavor twist.
4. Make Ahead: Assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and store them in the fridge before baking.
5. Add Protein: Incorporate cooked Italian sausage or ground turkey into the cheese filling for added protein.

Recipe Variations

• Meat Lover’s Version: Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the cheese mixture for a heartier filling.
• Vegetable Medley: Mix in other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers with the spinach for added nutrients and flavor.
• Spicy Stuffed Shells: Add red pepper flakes to the filling or marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
• Creamy Alfredo: Substitute marinara sauce with a creamy Alfredo sauce for a rich, indulgent dish.
• Herbed Ricotta: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or chives in the ricotta filling for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks to soak up the marinara sauce.
• Pair with a crisp Caesar or mixed green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette.
• For a festive touch, serve with a glass of red wine like Chianti or a sparkling water with lemon.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Stuffed shells can be assembled and frozen before baking. Just cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding additional time to ensure they heat through.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use regular pasta shells instead of jumbo?
   Yes, but the filling may need to be adjusted to fit smaller shells.
2. What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
   Cottage cheese or a blend of cream cheese and Greek yogurt can work as alternatives.
3. How do I know when the stuffed shells are done?
   The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the edges of the shells should be slightly crispy.
4. Can I make stuffed shells without marinara sauce?
   Yes, you can use Alfredo sauce or a simple olive oil and garlic mixture.
5. Is it okay to prepare stuffed shells the night before?
   Absolutely! Assemble them in advance and store in the fridge until ready to bake.
6. How long do cooked stuffed shells last in the fridge?
   They can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
7. Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
   Yes, homemade sauce can enhance the flavor of the dish.
8. Are stuffed shells gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free pasta shells to make the dish gluten-free.
9. What type of cheese should I use for the topping?
   Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, but you can use any cheese you prefer.
10. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
    Yes, the recipe is already vegetarian-friendly with the use of spinach and cheese.

Conclusion

Stuffed shells are a timeless classic that never fails to impress. With their creamy filling and rich marinara sauce, they bring warmth and comfort to any dinner table. This recipe is not only easy to make but also offers plenty of opportunities for customization. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, these stuffed shells are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see why it deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation!

Print