Easy Stuffed Shells

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s simple to make, Easy Stuffed Shells are the perfect choice! This delicious pasta dish features large pasta shells stuffed with a creamy filling of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, then baked in a savory marinara sauce. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing a meal for a cozy dinner with friends, these stuffed shells will quickly become a go-to recipe.

Ingredients for Easy Stuffed Shells

To make this simple yet scrumptious recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells (about one box)
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (optional)
• 1 cup frozen spinach (optional, but adds flavor and nutrition)
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Easy Stuffed Shells

this recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 9-11 minutes. Once they’re al dente, drain and set aside to cool. To prevent them from sticking together, you can toss the shells with a bit of olive oil.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. If you’re adding spinach, be sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the spinach before mixing it in. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and optional fresh basil for added flavor. Stir until well combined.

Step 3: Stuff the Shells

Once the pasta shells have cooled enough to handle, carefully stuff each shell with the cheese mixture. Be generous with the filling, but don’t overstuff as it could cause the shells to break.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the stuffed shells in the dish, side by side. Once all the shells are arranged in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, ensuring that each shell is covered with sauce. You can also sprinkle some extra mozzarella cheese on top for a cheesy crust.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly. The stuffed shells should be hot all the way through.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the stuffed shells are out of the oven, let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shells

• Don’t overcook the shells: Be sure to cook the pasta shells al dente so they don’t become mushy during baking.
• Make it ahead: Stuffed shells can be made in advance. Simply assemble the dish, cover it with foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, adding extra time if necessary to heat through.
• Freeze for later: Stuffed shells freeze beautifully! After baking, allow them to cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 45 minutes, or until heated through.

Variations of Stuffed Shells

• Meat Lovers: Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the cheese filling for a more substantial meal.
• Vegetarian Option: Stir in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a veggie-packed filling.
• Spicy Stuffed Shells: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinara sauce for some extra heat.

Conclusion

Easy Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food that brings together the creamy, cheesy filling with rich marinara sauce for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this simple recipe is sure to be a hit. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a delicious, homemade Italian meal that’s easy, affordable, and always a crowd-pleaser!

Serving and Storage Tips for Easy Stuffed Shells

Serving Tips:

1. Pair with Sides: Stuffed shells are filling on their own, but they pair wonderfully with side dishes like a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or a simple roasted vegetable medley. A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, would also complement this meal perfectly.
2. Garnish for Extra Flavor: Add fresh basil or parsley on top of your stuffed shells before serving to give the dish a pop of color and extra flavor. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese also adds a lovely finishing touch.
3. Serving Size: Each person typically enjoys 3-4 stuffed shells, but you can adjust based on your guests’ appetite. For larger gatherings, consider preparing an extra pan of shells to ensure everyone has plenty to enjoy.
4. Family Style: Serve the stuffed shells directly from the baking dish for a more casual, family-style meal. This allows everyone to help themselves and makes the meal feel extra homey.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigerating Leftovers: If you have any leftover stuffed shells, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.
2. Freezing Stuffed Shells: Stuffed shells freeze exceptionally well! After assembling and baking the dish, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Frozen stuffed shells can last up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F for 45 minutes or until heated through, adding extra sauce if needed.
3. Freezing Before Baking: If you prefer to freeze stuffed shells before baking, assemble the shells as you normally would, cover the dish with foil, and freeze it. When you’re ready to cook, bake directly from the freezer at 375°F for about 45-50 minutes, or until the shells are hot and the cheese is bubbly.
4. Avoid Overstuffing: While it’s tempting to load up on the cheesy filling, overstuffing the shells can lead to messy results, especially when storing leftovers. Stick to a moderate amount of filling for easier storage and serving.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your Easy Stuffed Shells over multiple meals and keep them tasting fresh and delicious!

1. Can I make stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes! Stuffed shells can be made ahead of time. You can assemble the dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, just preheat the oven and cook as directed, adding extra time if needed to heat the dish through.

2. Can I freeze stuffed shells?
Absolutely! Stuffed shells freeze well. After baking, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 45 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

3. Can I add meat to my stuffed shells?
Yes, you can easily make a meat version of stuffed shells. Simply cook ground beef, Italian sausage, or turkey, and mix it into the cheese filling. You can also add cooked chicken or other protein options for a more substantial meal.

4. How do I reheat leftover stuffed shells?
To reheat leftover stuffed shells, place them in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Adding a bit of marinara sauce before reheating can help keep the shells moist.

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