Stuffed cheese shells are a classic Italian comfort food—large pasta shells filled with a rich, cheesy mixture and baked in marinara sauce. Here’s a delicious and easy recipe for you to try!
Stuffed Cheese Shells
Ingredients:
For the Pasta and Stuffing:
- 20-25 jumbo pasta shells (depending on the size of your baking dish)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach or parsley, chopped (optional for added flavor)
For the Sauce:
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Directions:
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Prepare the Pasta:
- 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 the package instructions until al dente (usually about 9-11 minutes). Drain and set aside on a parchment paper-lined tray to prevent sticking.
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Make the Cheese Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. If you’re adding spinach or parsley, mix it in at this stage. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.
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Assemble the Stuffed Shells:
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch (or similar-sized) baking dish.
- Take each cooked pasta shell and fill it generously with the cheese mixture. Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish, open side up, in a single layer.
- Once all the shells are filled and arranged in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, ensuring all the shells are covered. You can sprinkle a little extra mozzarella on top of the sauce for a melty, cheesy finish.
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Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
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Serve:
- Let the stuffed shells cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips:
- Add-ins: You can mix in cooked ground beef, sausage, or vegetables (like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers) into the cheese filling or sauce for extra flavor and texture.
- Homemade Sauce: If you prefer homemade marinara, simply simmer tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs (like basil and oregano) for a simple sauce.
- Freezing: Stuffed shells freeze really well! You can prepare them ahead of time, freeze them before baking, and bake them directly from the freezer (you might need to add a few extra minutes of baking time).
These stuffed shells are cheesy, comforting, and perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. They’re sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
Would you like some suggestions for side dishes to go with this, or maybe a different twist on the filling?