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classic stuffed shells

Classic Stuffed Shells

Classic Stuffed Shells are filled with creamy ricotta, topped with marinara, and baked until bubbly. A comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner everyone will love!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 6 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spoon or piping bag for filling shells
  • 9x13 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.

Notes

Customizing Your Filling: This recipe is highly customizable. Feel free to add vegetables, such as spinach or mushrooms, or proteins like ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken to the ricotta mixture for added flavor and texture.
Making Ahead: Stuffed shells are a great make-ahead meal. Assemble the dish up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Freezing: You can also freeze the assembled, unbaked dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, or bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcal
Keyword Pasta
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