Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Easy Stuffed Shells, a delightful Italian classic that brings joy to any family dinner. This recipe features large pasta shells generously filled with a creamy blend of ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, accented by fresh herbs and topped with rich marinara sauce. Baked to perfection until bubbling and golden brown, these cheese-stuffed shells are not only satisfying but also highly customizable to suit your family’s tastes. Whether you’re hosting a special gathering or preparing a quick weeknight meal, this dish promises to impress with its delicious flavors and easy preparation.
Ingredients
- 12–15 large pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells in boiling salted water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix together ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, herbs, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Fill each cooked shell with the cheese mixture and place them seam side up in a baking dish coated with marinara sauce.
- Pour additional marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, removing the foil for the last 5 minutes until golden.
Notes
– For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the filling.
– To make ahead, assemble the stuffed shells without baking and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days or frozen for three months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (about 200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg