Stuffed Shells

These Stuffed Shells are a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to any table. With creamy cheese, savory seasonings, and the option to add spinach, they are perfect for family dinners, festive gatherings, or even meal prep for busy weeks. The make-ahead feature and freezer-friendly quality make them a standout choice for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty Italian meal without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of four cheeses and Italian herbs creates a rich, savory filling that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Dish: These stuffed shells can be customized with different vegetables or proteins to suit your taste.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance and simply bake when you’re ready to serve, saving you time on busy days.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love this cheesy pasta treat, making it ideal for family meals.
• Freezer Friendly: Store leftovers or make a double batch for easy weeknight dinners later on.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious stuffed shells, having the right kitchen tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Casserole dish (9 x 13-inch)
• Silicone spatula

Why These Tools Matter

• Large pot: Perfect for boiling the jumbo pasta shells evenly without crowding.
• Skillet: Ideal for sautéing garlic and spinach quickly while retaining their flavors.
• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows for easy mixing of all the cheesy ingredients without spills.
• Casserole dish: Ensures even baking and presentation of your stuffed shells.

Ingredients

These classic stuffed shells are filled with a creamy 4-cheese blend with Italian seasonings, sautéed garlic, and the optional addition of spinach. This meal is also make-ahead and freezer friendly!

Ingredients:
– 18-20 jumbo pasta shells (boil extra in case some break)
– 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic (minced)
– 4 cups spinach
– 15 oz. Ricotta
– ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
– 3 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded and divided)
– 2 Tablespoons cream cheese
– 1 egg
– 24 ounces marinara sauce
– Fresh parsley (to garnish)
– ½ tsp Salt
– ¼ tsp pepper
– ½ teaspoon dried basil
– ½ teaspoon dried parsley
– ½ teaspoon dried oregano

How to Make Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready when you’re finished preparing your stuffed shells.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells

1. Boil the jumbo pasta shells in salted water for about 12 minutes or until they are just under al dente.
2. Set a timer to avoid overcooking them.
3. Once cooked, drain the shells and rinse them gently under cold water until they cool down completely. Set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Spinach

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
2. Once hot, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add spinach; toss it in the skillet until wilted (about 3 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with salt, pepper, basil, parsley, and oregano using a silicone spatula.
2. Stir in half of the mozzarella cheese and most of the grated Parmesan (reserve some Parmesan for topping).
3. Mix in cream cheese and beaten egg until well combined.
4. Gently fold in cooled spinach and garlic mixture.

Step 5: Assemble the Stuffed Shells

1. Spread half of the marinara sauce at the bottom of a casserole dish or oven-safe skillet.
2. Using a spoon, fill each pasta shell with the cheese mixture then place them into the baking dish.
3. Pour remaining marinara sauce over stuffed shells.
4. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese and reserved Parmesan.

Step 6: Bake

Cover your baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Then remove cover and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Step 7: Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving alongside Garlic Bread with Cheese for a complete meal! Enjoy your delicious stuffed shells!

How to Serve Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shells are a delightful main course that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

Pair with Garlic Bread

• Garlic Bread: A crispy and buttery garlic bread complements the rich flavors of stuffed shells beautifully.

Add a Fresh Salad

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing adds freshness to your plate.

Serve with Grilled Vegetables

• Grilled Vegetables: Charred zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus provide a smoky flavor that pairs well with the cheesy filling.

Top with Extra Cheese

• Extra Mozzarella: Sprinkle some additional mozzarella on top before serving for an extra cheesy delight.

Include Crusty Italian Bread

• Crusty Italian Bread: Serve alongside some crusty bread for dipping into the marinara sauce.

Drizzle with Balsamic Reduction

• Balsamic Reduction: A drizzle of balsamic reduction adds a sweet-tangy flavor that enhances the overall dish.

How to Perfect Stuffed Shells

To make sure your stuffed shells turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Boldly Cook Pasta Al Dente: Boil the pasta shells just until they are al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft during baking.
• Boldly Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh spinach and high-quality cheeses for the best flavor and texture in your filling.
• Boldly Mix Seasonings Well: Ensure that you mix the ricotta, herbs, and cheeses thoroughly for an even distribution of flavor.
• Boldly Layer Sauce Generously: Don’t skimp on the marinara sauce; it keeps the shells moist and adds richness.
• Boldly Cover During Baking: Covering the dish initially helps cook everything evenly without drying out.
• Boldly Let Cool Slightly Before Serving: Allowing the stuffed shells to rest for a few minutes after baking helps them set up better for serving.

Best Side Dishes for Stuffed Shells

When planning your meal, consider these side dishes that pair wonderfully with stuffed shells. They provide balance and variety to your table.

1. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing topped with croutons provides crunch against creamy shells.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli offers a nutritious option that contrasts nicely with cheesy pasta.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasted until caramelized, Brussels sprouts deliver deep flavor that complements stuffed shells.
4. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil create a refreshing side filled with vibrant flavors.
5. Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, serve spiralized zucchini noodles tossed in olive oil and garlic as a side dish.
6. Antipasto Platter: A variety of olives, marinated artichokes, and roasted red peppers provide an exciting mix of flavors before the main course.
7. Italian Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with Italian herbs make for a hearty side dish.
8. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter offers a simple yet satisfying accompaniment to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making stuffed shells, small mistakes can lead to big flavor losses. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Ignoring Cooking Time: Overcooking the pasta shells can make them too soft and difficult to fill. Boil them just a minute less than al dente for the best texture.
• Skipping the Rinse: Not rinsing the shells in cold water after boiling can cause them to stick together. Always rinse them to keep them separate and easy to handle.
• Not Seasoning Enough: Under-seasoning the cheese filling can lead to bland stuffed shells. Make sure to taste as you go and adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
• Overfilling Shells: Stuffing the shells too much can cause them to break during baking. Fill each shell generously, but avoid overflowing for a neat presentation.
• Forgetting Toppings: Skipping the marinara sauce or cheese topping can result in dry stuffed shells. Always add sauce and cheese for a creamy, flavorful finish.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
• Containers: Use an airtight container or tightly cover with foil or plastic wrap.

Freezing Stuffed Shells

• Duration: Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Containers: Place in a freezer-safe dish, cover well with plastic wrap, then foil.

Reheating Stuffed Shells

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake for about 25 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of marinara sauce until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Stuffed Shells?

Stuffed shells are large pasta shells filled with a delicious mixture of cheese, spinach, and herbs, baked in marinara sauce. They are a comforting Italian dish.

Can I customize my Stuffed Shells?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, different cheeses such as feta or gouda, or even cooked ground chicken or turkey for added protein.

How do I know when Stuffed Shells are done baking?

Stuffed shells are done when they are bubbly around the edges, and the cheese is melted and slightly golden on top.

Can I make Stuffed Shells ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer before baking. Just adjust cooking times accordingly if baking from frozen.

Conclusion

These stuffed shells are not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, they allow room for creativity with fillings and toppings. Give this recipe a try and enjoy customizing it to your taste!

---