Stuffed Shells

If you’re looking to elevate your culinary skills and impress your family and friends, a Stuffed Shells Recipe is an excellent choice. This classic Italian dish combines jumbo pasta shells with a rich and creamy ricotta filling, topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of creating this delectable dish.

The Essential Ingredients

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need to prepare your Stuffed Shells Recipe:

Marinara Sauce

Start with 3 cups of marinara sauce. You can either use store-bought or make your own for that extra homemade touch.

Jumbo Shells

You’ll need 8 oz (approximately 18 shells) of jumbo pasta shells. It’s a good idea to have a few extra on hand in case some break during cooking.

Seasonings

• Salt
• Fresh black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder

These seasonings will add depth and flavor to your dish.

Ricotta Filling

The heart of your stuffed shells is the creamy ricotta filling. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 15 oz of full-fat ricotta cheese
• 8 oz of mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup of grated fresh Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon of minced fresh or dry parsley
• 1 tablespoon of minced fresh or dry basil
• 1 teaspoon of dry thyme
• Salt to taste
• Fresh black pepper to taste
• 3 crushed garlic cloves

These ingredients combine to create a luscious and flavorful interior for your stuffed shells.

Topping

Finish off your dish with a generous topping of mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of your favorite dry spices. This adds a delightful layer of gooey cheese and aromatic flavors to the finished product.

The Cooking Process

Now that we’ve covered the essential ingredients, let’s get cooking!

1. Boil the Pasta: Begin by boiling your jumbo shells according to the package instructions, adding salt to the boiling water for flavor.
2. Prepare the Ricotta Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, basil, thyme, salt, pepper, and crushed garlic cloves. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
3. Stuff the Shells: Once your pasta shells are cooked to al dente, drain and cool them slightly. Carefully stuff each shell with the ricotta filling mixture.
4. Layer and Bake: Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Place the stuffed shells on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining sauce over the shells, ensuring they are fully covered. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and your chosen dry spices on top.
5. Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Once out of the oven, let your stuffed shells cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an extra burst of flavor.

FAQs

Let’s address some common questions about making Stuffed Shells:

• Can I use different cheeses for the filling? Absolutely! While the classic recipe calls for ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, you can experiment with cheeses like cottage cheese or goat cheese for a unique twist.
• How do I prevent my shells from sticking together during boiling? To avoid sticking, add a touch of oil to the boiling water and stir the shells occasionally as they cook.
• Can I make stuffed shells in advance? Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before baking.
• What can I serve with stuffed shells? Stuffed shells pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Can I freeze leftover stuffed shells? Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply bake from frozen until heated through.
• How can I make a vegan version of this dish? Substitute vegan cheese and egg replacers for the dairy products, and you’ll have a delicious vegan stuffed shells recipe.

In conclusion, a Stuffed Shells Recipe is a versatile and delightful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With the right ingredients and a bit of love, you can create a mouthwatering meal that impresses everyone at the table. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the deliciousness of homemade stuffed shells!

Remember, cooking is not just about following a recipe; it’s about creating memorable experiences with food. So, go ahead and experiment with flavors, make it your own, and enjoy the journey of cooking this Italian classic.

Now, it’s time to head to the kitchen and start cooking up some delicious stuffed shells. Buon appetito!