Stuffed Shells Recipe

Stuffed shells are the epitome of comfort food—rich, cheesy, and perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. This classic Italian dish is not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this stuffed shells recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Ingredients

For the shells:

• 1 box jumbo pasta shells (about 12 oz)
• Salt for the pasta water

For the filling:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the sauce:

• 4 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preparing the Shells

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the shells and set them aside to cool.

Making the Filling

2. Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped spinach, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Preparing the Sauce

3. Cook the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the marinara sauce, dried basil, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes.

Assembling the Dish

4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Stuff the Shells: Spoon a generous amount of the cheese filling into each cooked pasta shell.
6. Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread a thin layer of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer over the sauce.
7. Top with Sauce: Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. If you like, sprinkle some extra shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.

Baking

8. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and 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 brown.

Serving

9. Serve: Let the stuffed shells cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Tips and Variations

• Add Protein: For a heartier dish, add cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken to the filling mixture.
• Vegetarian Delight: Substitute the spinach with other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• Make Ahead: Stuffed shells can be assembled a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake them.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well. Assemble the stuffed shells and freeze them before baking. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.

Conclusion

Stuffed shells are a versatile and satisfying dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. With their creamy filling and flavorful sauce, they’re sure to impress your family and friends. Give this recipe a try, and it might just become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!