Baked Italian Stuffed Shells Recipe: A Cheesy, Savory Delight

The smell of cheese and herbs fills the kitchen, making you feel like you’re in Italy. When you take the dish out of the oven, the melted mozzarella on top shows the treasure inside. It’s tender pasta shells filled with creamy goodness.

This Italian stuffed shells recipe is easy to make, no matter your cooking level. It’s a mix of cheesy and tangy tomato sauce that everyone loves. You’ll learn how to make the best baked stuffed shells that everyone will enjoy.

Introduction to Italian Stuffed Shells

Italian stuffed shells are a favorite dish that mixes pasta, cheese, and tasty flavors. This comfort food has captured the hearts of many in America. Let’s explore these tasty jumbo pasta shells and see why they’re loved so much.

What are stuffed shells?

Stuffed jumbo pasta shells are a classic Italian-American dish. Large pasta shells are filled with a creamy mix, often ricotta cheese, herbs, and sometimes meat. They’re baked in a tasty sauce until they’re golden and bubbly.

Origins of this classic dish

Stuffed shells are popular in Italian-American cuisine but not traditional Italian. This dish shows how immigrants mixed their cooking traditions with new tastes in America. The result is a tasty mix that’s loved by many.

Why stuffed shells are a crowd-pleaser

Homemade stuffed shells are loved for many reasons. They’re simple to make, flexible, and great for groups. You can make them ahead, perfect for busy days or big events. Plus, who can resist pasta, cheese, and sauce together?

“Stuffed shells are like little boats of happiness, filled with cheesy goodness and sailing in a sea of savory sauce.”

Whether you’re an experienced cook or new to Italian recipes, stuffed shells are worth learning. They’re easy to customize and will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients for Perfect Stuffed Shells

Creating delicious stuffed shells with ricotta starts with the right ingredients. Let’s look at the key components that make this dish a favorite.

Choosing the Right Pasta Shells

Choose large, sturdy pasta shells that can hold a lot of filling. Look for shells about 2 inches long with deep pockets. Cook them until they’re just shy of al dente to prevent splitting during baking.

Ricotta Cheese and Other Filling Components

The heart of ricotta stuffed shells with sauce is the creamy filling. Mix whole milk ricotta with grated Parmesan, beaten eggs, and chopped herbs like basil or parsley. For a vegetarian stuffed shell recipe, mix in spinach or roasted vegetables.

Sauce Options: Marinara vs. Meat Sauce

Choose between a classic marinara or hearty meat sauce for your stuffed shells. Marinara offers a lighter touch, perfect for vegetarian versions. Meat sauce adds richness and pairs well with cheese-filled shells.

Cheese Varieties for Topping

Crown your stuffed shells with a blend of melty cheeses. Mozzarella is a must for its gooey texture. Add sharp Provolone or tangy Pecorino Romano for extra flavor. Sprinkle generously before baking for a golden, bubbly top.

“The secret to irresistible stuffed shells lies in quality ingredients and a generous hand with the cheese.”

Italian Stuffed Shells Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Making a tasty homemade stuffed shells casserole is simple. This easy recipe will show you how to do it, step by step.

First, heat your oven to 375°F. Cook the jumbo pasta shells as the package says, then drain and set them aside. In a big bowl, mix ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, and your favorite herbs.

Put a thin layer of marinara sauce in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Use a spoon or piping bag to fill each shell with the cheese mix. Place the stuffed shells in the dish, then pour the rest of the sauce over them.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. This will make the cheese bubbly and golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before you serve it.

“The secret to perfect stuffed shells is not overfilling them. Leave some room for the cheese to expand as it bakes.”

This simple recipe lets you get creative. You can add spinach to the filling or use meat sauce for a richer taste. With a little practice, you’ll make this classic Italian-American dish a hit with your family and friends.

Tips for Preparing and Baking Stuffed Shells

Mastering the art of baked stuffed shells takes practice. These tips will help you create the perfect italian stuffed shells recipe every time.

Cooking Pasta to Perfection

For cheesy stuffed shells that hold their shape, cook the pasta shells until al dente. This means they’re firm to the bite but not crunchy. Typically, this takes about 9 minutes in boiling water. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Filling Techniques

To fill your shells evenly, use a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off. This method ensures each shell gets the same amount of filling. Gently squeeze the ricotta mixture into each shell, careful not to overfill.

Baking Time and Temperature

Bake your stuffed shells at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes. This temperature allows the cheese to melt perfectly without burning the edges. To achieve that golden-brown top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to set the filling.

“The key to perfect baked stuffed shells is patience. Don’t rush the process, and you’ll be rewarded with a delicious, comforting meal.”

With these tips, your italian stuffed shells recipe will turn out perfectly every time. Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to creating this classic dish.

Variations and Customizations

Stuffed shells with ricotta are a versatile dish. You can customize them to fit your taste. Italian recipes often welcome creative twists while keeping their traditional feel. Let’s dive into some exciting variations for your next stuffed shells adventure.

For a vegetarian version, swap the meat with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and roasted red peppers. This veggie-packed option is just as tasty and full of flavor. You can also try different cheeses like goat cheese or feta for a tangy twist.

Want to add some spice? Mix in red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños into your ricotta. For a Mediterranean touch, add sun-dried tomatoes and olives. These simple changes can turn your stuffed shells into a new dish.

“Cooking is like painting or writing a song. Just as there are only so many notes or colors, there are only so many flavors – it’s how you combine them that sets you apart.” – Wolfgang Puck

Don’t overlook the sauce! While marinara is classic, you can try creamy Alfredo or pesto. For a unique twist, go for a Thai-inspired coconut curry sauce. The kitchen is your playground, so let your creativity run wild.

Italian Stuffed Shells Recipe

Course: Main CourseCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Intermediate

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking Time

40

minutes

Calories

420

calories

1

hour 

10

minutes

Indulge in the rich flavors of Italy with these delicious stuffed pasta shells. Filled with a savory mixture of ricotta, spinach, and herbs, then baked in a zesty tomato sauce, this hearty dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

• 1 package (12 oz) jumbo pasta shells

• 15 oz ricotta cheese

• 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 24 oz marinara sauce

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook pasta shells according to package directions; drain and set aside to cool.
• In a large bowl, combine ricotta, spinach, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Fill each pasta shell with the ricotta mixture and place in the baking dish.
• Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
• Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
• Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
• Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Similar Italian Recipes You Will Like

If you enjoy homemade stuffed shells, you’ll love exploring other classic italian recipes. These dishes share similar flavors and techniques. They make perfect additions to your cooking repertoire.

Try your hand at lasagna, a layered pasta dish that rivals stuffed shell casserole in comfort and satisfaction. Like stuffed shells, lasagna features ricotta cheese and tomato sauce. But it uses flat noodles instead of shells.

Manicotti is another stuffed pasta delight. These large tube-shaped noodles are filled with a ricotta mixture, much like stuffed shells. They’re then baked in sauce for a hearty meal.

Baked ziti offers a simpler alternative to stuffed shells. This casserole combines ziti pasta with ricotta, mozzarella, and sauce. It’s easier to assemble than stuffed shells but delivers the same comforting flavors.

For a twist on traditional stuffed shells, try cannelloni. These pasta tubes are filled with meat or cheese and baked in a creamy sauce. It’s a delicious variation that uses similar ingredients to stuffed shells.

Exploring these italian recipes will expand your cooking skills and provide new family favorites. Each dish showcases the rich, comforting flavors that make Italian cuisine so beloved.

Conclusion

Italian stuffed shells are a comfort food classic. This recipe combines cheesy goodness with savory flavors. It’s a dish that will make everyone happy at your table.

This recipe is versatile. You can use traditional ingredients or try new fillings and toppings. Add spinach for extra veggies or use meat sauce instead of marinara. The possibilities are endless!

Now, it’s time to make Italian stuffed shells. With a bit of prep and love, you’ll have a dish as good as any Italian restaurant. So, put on your apron and impress your loved ones with this tasty Italian-American favorite!