Irresistible Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe to Savor

Indulging in a plate of Classic Stuffed Shells is like giving your taste buds a warm hug. Picture this: large pasta shells filled to the brim with a creamy, cheesy mixture that practically sings with flavor, all nestled in a rich marinara sauce. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, beckoning everyone to gather around the table. Who can resist such an invitation? For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.

I remember the first time I made these delightful stuffed shells for my family. It was a rainy Saturday, and everyone was feeling a bit blue. As soon as they caught a whiff of the bubbling cheese and fragrant herbs, their faces lit up like I had just announced we were going on vacation. Comforting Shepherd’s Pie Moments like these are why I love cooking—food brings us together, and nothing beats the joy on my loved ones’ faces when they dig into a hearty dish.

I once served these stuffed shells at a family gathering, and everyone went back for seconds—talk about a hit!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Look for large shells that are sturdy enough to hold filling without breaking apart during cooking.
• Ricotta Cheese: Choose whole milk ricotta for creaminess; it blends beautifully with other cheeses.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Use fresh mozzarella for the best melting quality and gooey texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grate it fresh if possible; it adds a nutty depth of flavor.
• Fresh Spinach: Opt for baby spinach; it wilts down nicely and adds nutrients without overpowering flavors.
• Marinara Sauce: A good-quality jarred sauce works wonders here—bonus points if you can find one made with San Marzano tomatoes.
• Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs will elevate your filling and add an aromatic touch.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning each component; don’t skip this step!
• Olive Oil: A drizzle enhances flavor and helps prevent sticking while baking.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures an evenly baked dish that’s perfectly bubbly and golden brown.

Cook Pasta Shells: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook jumbo pasta shells until al dente—about 8 minutes should do. Drain them carefully so they don’t break apart.

Mix Filling Ingredients: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, chopped spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy and well-mixed.

Assemble the Shells: Spread half of your marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Zesty Lemon Fettuccine as a side Stuff each shell generously with the cheese mixture and place them in the dish seam-side up.

Add Sauce & Top with Cheese: Pour remaining marinara sauce over stuffed shells before sprinkling the rest of mozzarella cheese on top. Drizzle lightly with olive oil to enhance browning.

Bake & Enjoy!: Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Serve hot!

Now you have transformed simple ingredients into an impressive meal that’s sure to be devoured! Enjoy sharing these Classic Stuffed Shells at gatherings or savoring them solo while binge-watching your favorite show—they’re just that good! Shrimp Stuffed Salmon pairing.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the pasta shells until they are al dente. While they cook, prepare the filling, then assemble and bake for a perfect texture.

Add Your Touch

Try adding spinach or mushrooms to the cheese filling for extra nutrition. You can also switch up the sauce with a homemade pesto or marinara for a unique twist. Pesto Chicken Crepes for a twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best results.

The first time I made classic stuffed shells, my friends cleaned their plates and begged for seconds! It was one of those moments where cooking brought everyone together, and I felt like a rock star in my own kitchen.

FAQ

Can I use different types of cheese in stuffed shells?

Absolutely! Mixing ricotta with mozzarella or parmesan adds flavor and creaminess.

How do I prevent stuffed shells from sticking together?

Drizzle olive oil over cooked shells to keep them separate before stuffing.

Can I freeze classic stuffed shells before baking?

Yes, you can assemble them fully and freeze; just add extra baking time when cooking.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Classic Stuffed Shells

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• Author: Mia Hanry
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Classic Stuffed Shells are a delightful comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any table. These large pasta shells are generously filled with a creamy, cheesy mixture and baked in rich marinara sauce, creating an irresistible dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. With easy preparation and customizable ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

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Ingredients

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• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells in boiling salted water until al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain carefully.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Spread half of the marinara sauce in a baking dish. Stuff each shell with the cheese mixture and place seam-side up in the dish.
5. Top with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella. Drizzle with olive oil.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 50mg