How to Make Stuffed Shells: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Comfort Food Classic
Stuffed shells are a hearty and delicious Italian-inspired dish that brings comfort to the table. Large pasta shells are filled with a rich, cheesy mixture and baked in a flavorful tomato sauce until bubbly and golden. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a special gathering, stuffed shells are always a crowd-pleaser. Let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shells:
- 1 box (12 oz) jumbo pasta shells
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
For the Filling:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the jumbo shells and cook them according to the package instructions until al dente. Avoid overcooking, as they will bake further in the oven.
- Drain the shells, rinse with cold water to stop cooking, and set them aside on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, warm the marinara sauce over medium heat.
- Stir in Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes, if using.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 5: Assemble the Stuffed Shells
- Spread 1 cup of the marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each pasta shell with the cheese mixture. Be generous, but avoid overstuffing to keep the shells intact.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish, open side up.
Step 6: Add Sauce and Cheese
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells.
- Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the stuffed shells from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan, if desired.
- Serve warm with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Tips for the Best Stuffed Shells
- Prep Ahead: Assemble the dish the night before and refrigerate. Simply bake when ready to serve.
- Homemade Sauce: Use homemade marinara for a more personalized flavor.
- Freeze for Later: Stuffed shells freeze beautifully. Assemble and freeze uncooked shells in a foil pan; bake straight from the freezer when needed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Cheesy: Perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions.
- Versatile: Add cooked spinach, sausage, or ground beef to the filling for a unique twist.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Great for meal prep or busy weeknights.
Stuffed shells are a timeless dish that never fails to impress. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll have a satisfying, cheesy meal ready to delight everyone at your table!
Post a Comment