Here’s a delicious recipe for Italian Stuffed Shells! These pasta shells are filled with a creamy cheese mixture, topped with marinara sauce, and baked to perfection. They make for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Italian Stuffed Shells Recipe
Ingredients
-
For the Stuffed Shells:
- 20-24 jumbo pasta shells
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
-
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
-
Prepare the Cheese Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
-
Stuff the Shells:
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture and place them in the baking dish, open side up.
-
Add Sauce and Cheese:
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top.
-
Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray the foil with cooking spray). Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
-
Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Tips:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate them before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Variations: Feel free to add cooked ground meat (like beef or turkey) to the cheese filling for extra protein, or mix in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Enjoy your Italian Stuffed Shells! They’re a comforting and delicious dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table!