Name: Stuffed Shells: The Ultimate Comfort Dish
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: – 20 jumbo pasta shells (approximately 6 ounces); – 2 tablespoons olive oil; – 1 small onion, chopped; – 3 cloves garlic, minced; – ½ pound ground beef; – 1 (24-ounce) jar pasta sauce; – 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese; – 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; – ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; – 1 large egg; – 2 tablespoons dried parsley; – 1 teaspoon dried oregano; – ½ teaspoon salt; – ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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If you’re looking for a dish that’s both cozy and impressive, these Stuffed Shells are your answer. Picture this: giant pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach filling, all smothered in rich marinara sauce, and baked to golden perfection. It’s the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell like a hug, and trust me, you’re going to love it. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself to a comforting plate of pasta, this dish is a game-changer!

Why You’ll Love Stuffed Shells

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Stuffed shells can be adapted to your tastes. You can swap the spinach for other veggies or add in some protein like ground beef or chicken. The possibilities are endless!

Budget-Friendly: With simple, affordable ingredients like pasta, ricotta, and marinara sauce, this recipe doesn’t break the bank but still feels like a luxurious meal.

Quick and Easy: Aside from the time needed for baking, this recipe is a breeze to put together. It’s perfect for busy nights when you still want something hearty and satisfying.

Customizable: You can easily make this recipe your own by tweaking the filling or sauce. Want to make it vegetarian? Done. Prefer a creamier sauce? Go for it. This is your kitchen, and you’re in charge!

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Stuffed Shells

Here’s the magic of stuffed shells: they come together with just a few key ingredients, but the result is nothing short of delicious. Let’s break it down:

Jumbo Pasta Shells: The perfect vessel for all that creamy filling. They cook up tender on the outside, while the inside stays cozy with a cheesy surprise.

Ricotta Cheese: The heart of the filling. It’s rich, creamy, and smooth, adding the perfect base for the spinach and other seasonings.

Spinach: You’ll love how this leafy green adds flavor and a pop of color. Plus, it sneaks in some nutrients without anyone noticing!

Mozzarella Cheese: Melted on top, it’s the cheesy, bubbly finish you’ve been waiting for. This is what makes each bite irresistible.

Marinara Sauce: The tangy, flavorful sauce that brings it all together. Whether store-bought or homemade, it’s the finishing touch that makes the stuffed shells sing.

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

Stuffed Shells: The Ultimate Comfort Dish

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and gives your dish the right texture. Preheating is a small but essential step that sets the stage for success.

Prepare the Shells: Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly. Be careful not to overcook them since they’ll be baking later.

Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, spinach, half of the mozzarella, a pinch of salt, pepper, and any other spices you love. Mix until everything is well combined and the spinach is evenly distributed. Don’t overmix—just enough to create a creamy, flavorful filling.

Stuff the Shells: Carefully spoon the ricotta-spinach mixture into each cooked pasta shell, making sure to pack the filling in nicely. Place each stuffed shell in a baking dish, side by side.

Add the Sauce and Cheese: Once all the shells are stuffed, pour marinara sauce over the top of them, covering the shells completely. Then, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top for that golden, bubbly finish.

Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. It should look golden and delicious!

Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. This step is crucial to let the flavors settle. It’s tempting to dig in right away, but a brief cooling period makes a big difference.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy! These stuffed shells pair wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a crisp salad.

Nutrition Facts:

Servings: 4-6 Calories per serving: 450

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

How to Serve Stuffed Shells

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

Garlic Bread: A crispy, buttery side that’s perfect for dipping into the marinara sauce.
Green Salad: A fresh, tangy salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the stuffed shells.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or even broccoli add a colorful and healthy touch to the meal.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate them for a day or two before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Frozen Spinach: If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the ricotta mixture.
Cheese Variation: Feel free to mix up the cheeses! Parmesan or provolone can add extra depth of flavor to the filling or the topping.

FAQ’s

Can I use regular pasta shells instead of jumbo shells?
While you can use regular pasta, jumbo shells really work best for stuffing. If you don’t have them, you can try using manicotti tubes as an alternative.
Can I make stuffed shells vegetarian?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can add more veggies like mushrooms or roasted peppers to the filling if you like.
Can I freeze stuffed shells?
Yes! Stuffed shells freeze well. Just assemble them, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, you can cook them straight from the freezer or thaw overnight in the fridge.
What can I use instead of spinach in the filling?
You can swap spinach for other greens like kale or even Swiss chard, or try adding some sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
How can I make the filling creamier?
Adding a bit of grated Parmesan or ricotta can make the filling extra creamy and flavorful.
Can I use a different sauce?
While marinara is traditional, you could use Alfredo or even a homemade tomato cream sauce for a twist.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, cottage cheese is a great substitute for ricotta if you’re looking for a lower-fat option, though it may slightly change the texture.
Can I add meat to the filling?
Ground beef or turkey would be a great addition to the filling. Just brown the meat before mixing it into the ricotta mixture.
How do I reheat leftover stuffed shells?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can cover them with foil to prevent drying out.
What’s the best way to prevent the shells from sticking to each other?
Make sure to cook the shells al dente (slightly firm) and give them a quick rinse under cold water after draining to stop them from sticking.

Conclusion

There you have it! These stuffed shells are the perfect combination of cheesy, savory, and satisfying. They’re easy to make, easy to love, and sure to become a go-to comfort food in your recipe rotation. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share the love with your family or friends—this dish is meant to be savored together!