The aroma of baked stuffed pasta shells wafts through the air, mingling with the rich scent of marinara sauce and melting cheese. Picture this: perfectly cooked pasta pockets cradling a savory blend of ricotta, spinach, and herbs, all bubbling under a gooey blanket of mozzarella. Every bite is a comforting hug for your taste buds, inviting you to relax and savor the moment.
I can still remember the first time I made stuffed pasta shells. It was a chilly evening, and my friends and I were gathered around my tiny kitchen table, laughter filling the air as we dug into this cheesy masterpiece. Fast forward to today—this dish has become my go-to for gatherings, date nights, or even just because I had a rough day and needed some serious comfort food. Trust me; once you try these stuffed pasta shells, you’ll want to whip them up for every occasion!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These stuffed pasta shells are incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions
- The flavor profile combines creamy cheese with fresh herbs for a delightful experience
- Their visually appealing presentation makes them a show-stopper at any dinner table
- Plus, they’re versatile enough for added ingredients or different sauces based on your preferences!
Ingredients for stuffed pasta shells
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Jumbo Pasta Shells: These large pasta shells are perfect for stuffing; look for brands that hold their shape well during cooking.
- Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese gives the filling its rich texture; opt for whole milk ricotta for maximum flavor.
- Fresh Spinach: Use fresh spinach in the filling; it adds color and nutrients while complementing the cheeses beautifully.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This melty cheese provides that gooey topping that everyone loves; buy pre-shredded to save time.
- Marinara Sauce: A good jarred marinara works wonders here; look for one with simple ingredients for best results.
For the Seasoning:
- Garlic Powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder adds depth to the stuffing; it’s an easy way to boost flavor without chopping garlic.
- Dried Oregano: This herb brings an Italian flair to your dish; feel free to substitute with Italian seasoning if that’s what you have.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make stuffed pasta shells
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large pot and bring water to a boil. Add salt generously—it should taste like the ocean.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells
Carefully add your jumbo pasta shells to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain them gently in a colander but don’t rinse—those starches help your sauce stick later!
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, fresh spinach (chopped), half of your shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is well blended.
Step 4: Stuff Those Shells
Now comes the fun part! Use a spoon (or your hands if you’re feeling adventurous) to stuff each shell with your cheesy mixture. Don’t be shy—load them up!
Step 5: Assemble in Baking Dish
Spread some marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange your stuffed shells upright in rows over the sauce. Once they’re all lined up like little soldiers ready for battle, cover them with additional marinara and sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.
Step 6: Bake
Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Serve hot from the oven with some crusty bread on the side—trust me; it’s worth every cheesy calorie! Enjoy those delightful stuffed pasta shells that are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to dig in!
You Must Know
- This delicious stuffed pasta shells recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a great way to sneak in some vegetables
- It’s customizable, vibrant, and perfect for any occasion
- Whether you’re making it for family or friends, it guarantees smiles all around
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the pasta shells until al dente while preparing your filling. After that, sauté your chosen vegetables and mix them with cheese and seasoning. Finally, assemble the shells, cover with sauce, and bake to perfection for a delightful dish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ricotta for cottage cheese or add spinach for extra greens. You can also spice things up with herbs like basil or oregano, or even sprinkle some chili flakes if you’re feeling adventurous.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover stuffed pasta shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes, ensuring they stay moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Make sure to cook your pasta shells just until al dente; this helps them hold their shape when you stuff them
- Don’t skip the sauce layer at the bottom of your baking dish; it prevents sticking and keeps everything juicy
- For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle more cheese on top before baking!
It was my cousin’s birthday when I first made these stuffed pasta shells. The kids devoured them faster than I could say “seconds,” which made me feel like a kitchen rock star that day!
FAQs:
What are stuffed pasta shells?
Stuffed pasta shells are large pasta tubes that you fill with a delicious mixture, typically consisting of cheese, meat, or vegetables. After filling the shells, they are usually baked in a sauce, often marinara or Alfredo. This dish is not only hearty and satisfying but also offers great versatility in terms of fillings and sauces.
How do I cook stuffed pasta shells?
To cook stuffed pasta shells, start by boiling them in salted water until they are al dente. Drain and let them cool slightly. Next, prepare your filling and stuff each shell carefully. Place the filled shells in a baking dish, cover them with your choice of sauce, and bake until bubbly and golden. This method ensures that every bite is flavorful and enjoyable.
Can I make stuffed pasta shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can make stuffed pasta shells ahead of time, which makes them perfect for meal prep or entertaining. Prepare the dish as instructed but do not bake it right away. Instead, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake it straight from the fridge until heated through.
What variations can I try for stuffed pasta shells?
There are countless variations for stuffed pasta shells to satisfy different tastes. You can use ricotta cheese mixed with spinach for a vegetarian option or ground beef with marinara for a meaty flavor. Additionally, consider adding herbs like basil or oregano to enhance the taste further. Experimenting with different sauces can also add new dimensions to this classic dish.
Conclusion for stuffed pasta shells:
Stuffed pasta shells provide a delightful combination of flavors and textures that can please any palate. With simple ingredients and versatile filling options, they offer endless possibilities for customization. Whether you prefer a classic cheese mix or something more adventurous like seafood or vegetables, these delicious shells will surely impress at your dinner table. Enjoy making this comforting dish soon!
Baked Stuffed Pasta Shells
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Baked stuffed pasta shells are a comforting classic that brings warmth to any table. These jumbo shells are filled with a rich mixture of ricotta, fresh spinach, and herbs, then smothered in marinara sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain without rinsing.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, spinach, half of the mozzarella, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Stuff each shell generously with the cheese mixture.
- Spread some marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells upright in rows.
- Pour remaining marinara over the shells and sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed pasta shells (170g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
