Classic Stuffed Shells are a beloved Italian dish featuring large pasta shells filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, then baked in a savory tomato sauce. This comforting and satisfying meal is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a delicious combination of flavors and textures.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Classic Stuffed Shells hot from the oven with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. They also pair well with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves for added flavor. For a complete meal, consider pairing them with a light vegetable soup or a fresh tomato salad.
Pairing Ideas
This dish complements a variety of sides and accompaniments. It works well with crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette, which is perfect for soaking up the tomato sauce. It also pairs nicely with a fresh green salad or some steamed vegetables for added freshness and crunch. For a more substantial meal, serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a light minestrone soup.
Tips and Notes
- Pasta Shells: Cook the shells al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft during baking. Ensure they are completely cooled before stuffing to avoid melting the filling.
- Filling: Mix the ricotta cheese with some shredded mozzarella and Parmesan for a creamy and flavorful stuffing. Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley to enhance the flavor.
- Sauce: Use a high-quality tomato sauce or marinara for the best results. You can also add some sautéed onions and garlic to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of sauce if needed to keep them moist.
Enjoy the comforting and classic flavors of Stuffed Shells as a satisfying and delicious addition to your meal repertoire!
Classic Stuffed Shells
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or piping bag for filling shells
- 9×13 inch baking dish
Ingredients
- 24 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 15 oz container of ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - plus more for topping
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg - lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley - chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Optional additions: cooked spinach - sautéed mushrooms, or cooked ground meat
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Pasta Shells: Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well. If using any optional additions like spinach, mushrooms, or meat, fold them into the mixture now.
- Fill the Shells: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Fill each pasta shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon or a piping bag. Arrange the filled shells in the baking dish.
- Bake: Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, and sprinkle with additional mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.