Stuffed Pasta Shells

Name: Stuffed Pasta Shells
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells (dry); 2 cups ricotta cheese; 4 ounces Parmesan cheese (grated); 1 cup frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry); 1 large egg; ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste); 24 ounces marinara sauce (1 jar); 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded); Fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)

Recipe By:

Rachael

Posted:

February 4, 2025

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Stuffed pasta shells are such a comforting meal, aren’t they? With their hearty filling and melty cheese, they warm not only your belly but your heart too. Imagine cozy evenings spent with family gathered around the table, sharing laughter over plates of these delicious shells. When you bite into one, you’re greeted with a blend of creamy ricotta, savory spinach, and rich marinara sauce, all wrapped snugly in a tender pasta shell. It’s simply delightful!

Jump to:

What is Stuffed Pasta Shells
Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Pasta Shells
Ingredients for Stuffed Pasta Shells
Prepare the Pasta
Make the Filling
Assemble the Shells
Bake and Broil
Garnish and Serve
Serving Suggestions
Tips for Success
Variations
Storage Tips
Pairing Ideas
FAQs
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📖 Recipe Card

In this recipe blog post, I’m excited to take you through the steps to making your own stuffed pasta shells. You’ll find it’s not only simple but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you want to impress guests or just treat yourself on a weeknight, these shells are sure to be a hit. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this cheesy goodness together!

What is Stuffed Pasta Shells

Stuffed pasta shells are large pasta shapes, typically filled with a delicious mixture of cheeses, vegetables, and seasonings, topped with sauce and baked until bubbly. This comforting dish brings together gooey cheese and robust flavors, making it a favorite among pasta lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Pasta Shells

These stuffed pasta shells are not only easy to prepare but also deliver a satisfying culinary experience. The creamy ricotta, savory spinach, and rich marinara create a delightful harmony of flavors and textures, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Plus, they can be customized according to personal taste, making them a versatile option for any occasion.

Ingredients for Stuffed Pasta Shells

To make these tasty stuffed pasta shells, you will need:

12 ounces jumbo pasta shells (dry)
2 cups ricotta cheese
4 ounces Parmesan cheese (grated)
1 cup frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)
1 large egg
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
24 ounces marinara sauce (1 jar)
2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)

Prepare the Pasta

First, let’s get our pasta ready. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large pot of well-salted boiling water, cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Make sure to stir frequently so they don’t stick together. Once they are cooked, rinse the shells under cold water. This halts the cooking process and keeps them just right for filling later on. Set them aside for now.

Make the Filling

Next up is the filling! In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, thawed spinach, egg, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined. For easier filling later on, consider transferring this mixture into a large freezer bag or piping bag. Simply cut a small opening at one corner when you’re ready to fill the shells.

Assemble the Shells

Now it’s time to put everything together! Spread half of the marinara sauce at the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish. Taking each shell, pipe about 2 tablespoons of that delicious cheese and spinach mixture into the cavity of the shell. Once filled, place each shell snugly in the baking dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. For that perfect cheesy topping, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top.

Bake and Broil

With everything assembled, place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden. If you love a toasty top, switch the oven to broil for an additional 2 to 5 minutes. But be careful! Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.

Garnish and Serve

Once baked to perfection, remove the dish from the oven. Time to garnish! Sprinkle some freshly chopped basil on top, along with a dash of cracked black pepper. This adds both flavor and a pop of color to your dish.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, consider serving your stuffed pasta shells with a side salad or some garlic bread. And if you’re feeling fancy, a nice glass of red wine can elevate the evening and make it truly special.

Tips for Success

To ensure your stuffed pasta shells turn out amazing, keep these tips in mind:

Make sure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the spinach to prevent a watery filling.
Use a mix of cheeses to enhance the flavor profile.
Don’t overcook the pasta in the initial boiling process; they will continue to cook while baking.

Variations

Feel free to get creative with your fillings! You could add ground meat, mushrooms, or even mix ricotta with different herbs to give your shells a twist. If you’re in the mood for something creamy, swap the marinara sauce for Alfredo sauce for a delightful change.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, don’t worry! Stuffed pasta shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in the oven or microwave. For longer storage, consider freezing the unbaked shells in an airtight container.

Pairing Ideas

To complement the richness of your stuffed pasta shells, consider pairing them with a fresh Caesar salad, crusty Italian bread, or even a light vegetable dish. These sides really help balance out the meal.

FAQs

1. Can I make stuffed pasta shells ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Can I freeze stuffed pasta shells?
Absolutely! Freeze the assembled, unbaked shells in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, throw them directly in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

3. What type of marinara sauce should I use?
You can use store-bought marinara sauce or your own homemade recipe. Just choose a quality brand that you enjoy for the best flavor.

4. What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese or cream cheese can work nicely as a substitute for ricotta, offering a different yet delicious taste.

5. How do I know when the stuffed shells are done?
They’re done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown on top.

Discover the joy of preparing stuffed pasta shells, a dish that’s guaranteed to bring comfort and warmth to your dining table. Perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners, this recipe highlights simple ingredients that come together to create a hearty meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, you’re sure to impress with this crowd-pleasing dish. Enjoy your culinary adventure with stuffed pasta shells!

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