Stuffed Shells

Hey friend! If you’re in the mood for a warm, cozy dinner that will fill your belly and make you feel all kinds of comfort, you have to try these stuffed shells. Picture this: tender pasta shells packed with a creamy, cheesy filling and topped with savory marinara sauce. It’s like a hug on a plate. Trust me, you’re going to love this recipe—it’s perfect for feeding a crowd, impressing guests, or just treating yourself to a comforting meal after a long day.

Why You’ll Love Stuffed Shells

This isn’t just about a quick dinner—it’s about creating a moment that feels special. Here’s why these stuffed shells are a favorite in my house and will quickly become a go-to recipe for you, too:

• Versatile: Whether you’re having a cozy dinner with your family, hosting friends for a casual gathering, or meal prepping for the week, these stuffed shells fit every occasion. You can make them ahead of time, and they’re just as good (if not better) as leftovers!
• Budget-Friendly: You don’t need any fancy ingredients for this recipe. It’s made with pantry staples that you likely already have on hand—yet the flavor is anything but simple.
• Quick and Easy: The best part? It’s easy to put together! You don’t need to be a professional chef to make this. If you’re someone who tends to shy away from complicated recipes, I promise this one is foolproof and super rewarding.
• Customizable: Love a little extra kick? Add some red pepper flakes to the sauce. Or, if you’re a fan of meat, feel free to stuff the shells with a mix of cheese and ground beef for an even heartier dish.
• Crowd-Pleasing: There’s something magical about this recipe that makes everyone at the table smile. It’s rich, comforting, and cheesy in all the best ways. I guarantee this will be a hit at your dinner table!

Ingredients in Stuffed Shells

Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s simple, but packed with flavor. Let’s break it down:

Large Pasta Shells: These are the vessel for all that deliciousness! You’ll want to cook them al dente so they hold up well when you stuff them.

Ricotta Cheese: The creamy base of the filling. It adds that soft, rich texture we all crave in stuffed pasta dishes.

Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, gooey, and utterly irresistible. It adds a lovely stretchiness when baked.

Parmesan Cheese: This adds a sharp, nutty flavor that brings the whole dish together.

Egg: Helps bind the filling so it stays nice and firm in the shells.

Spinach: A little veggie boost! You can use fresh or frozen spinach, whichever you have on hand. It’s a great way to sneak in some greens.

Marinara Sauce: The sauce is the key to this dish—tangy, savory, and the perfect base for those cheesy stuffed shells to rest in.

Herbs and Seasonings: A mix of basil, oregano, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper to season the filling and the sauce.

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

Instructions for Stuffed Shells

Let’s dive into the steps to make these delicious stuffed shells!

Preheat Your Oven

First thing’s first—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures everything bakes evenly and perfectly.

Cook the Pasta Shells

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to package instructions. You want them al dente since they’ll cook more in the oven. Drain and set aside to cool.

Make the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, the egg, and spinach. Season with garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. Taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed—this filling should be packed with flavor!

Stuff the Shells

Now comes the fun part! Take each pasta shell and stuff it with the ricotta mixture. Don’t be shy—fill them up! Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish, fitting them snugly together.

Pour the Sauce

Once all the shells are stuffed, pour the marinara sauce evenly over the shells. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top, and cover the baking dish with foil.

Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Serve and Enjoy

Once your stuffed shells are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve them warm, and enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness!

How to Serve Stuffed Shells

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few side dishes. Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

• Fresh Salads: A crisp, refreshing salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the richness of the stuffed shells.
• Crusty Bread: Garlic bread or a simple baguette to help scoop up the extra marinara sauce is always a winner.
• Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or carrots bring a lovely balance to the dish.
• A Side of Cheese: If you love cheese, feel free to add extra Parmesan to your plate for that extra oomph!

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to make this dish even easier:

• Prep Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed shells a day ahead. Just assemble them, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, pop them in the oven and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Freezer-Friendly: These shells freeze beautifully! You can freeze them before baking and bake them from frozen when you’re ready to eat.
• Go Meatier: If you’re a fan of meat, feel free to add ground beef, sausage, or chicken to the filling. It’ll make the dish even heartier.
• Spice It Up: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce if you like a little heat.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute ricotta with cottage cheese?
A1: Absolutely! If you prefer a lower-fat option, cottage cheese works well in place of ricotta. It’ll still give you that creamy texture.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if they’re coming straight from the fridge.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to get that melted cheese goodness back.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Freeze the stuffed shells before baking, then bake from frozen. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat stuffed shells?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave them, but the oven will help keep the cheese melty.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes, doubling the recipe is a great idea! Just make sure to use a larger baking dish, and you may need to add a little extra time for baking.

Q7: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
A7: Yes, this recipe is fully vegetarian! If you want to make it vegan, you can swap the cheeses for plant-based versions.

Conclusion

Stuffed shells are one of those dishes that never fail to satisfy. They’re cheesy, comforting, and so easy to make, making them the perfect dinner for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or enjoying them all to yourself, this dish is bound to be a hit. Now, get in the kitchen and make these stuffed shells—they’re waiting for you!

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