Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe

If you're craving a comforting, cheesy, and hearty Italian dish, look no further than baked stuffed shells! This classic recipe combines jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta mixture, topped with savory marinara sauce, and baked to golden perfection. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or just preparing a weeknight meal, this recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds. Keep reading to discover how you can make the best baked stuffed shells from scratch, including variations, tips, and the most common mistakes to avoid!

What are Baked Stuffed Shells?

Baked stuffed shells are a traditional Italian-American pasta dish where large pasta shells (also known as conchiglioni) are stuffed with a rich filling, typically made from ricotta cheese, Parmesan, mozzarella, and various herbs. Once the shells are filled, they're nestled in a bed of marinara sauce, covered with more cheese, and baked until bubbly and golden. This dish is loved for its creamy filling, savory sauce, and tender pasta, making it the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients List for Baked Stuffed Shells

Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Jumbo pasta shells: These large shells are the star of the dish and perfect for stuffing. Look for conchiglioni in the pasta aisle.
• Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, ricotta is the base of the filling.
• Mozzarella cheese: Adds that signature stretchy, gooey cheese texture when baked.
• Parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp, salty flavor that enhances the ricotta and mozzarella mixture.
• Egg: Helps bind the ricotta filling so it holds together inside the shells.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds a touch of freshness to the filling.
• Garlic: Minced garlic lends a wonderful aromatic flavor to the filling.
• Marinara sauce: You can use homemade or store-bought marinara sauce to coat the stuffed shells. The sauce complements the cheesy filling with its tangy tomato flavor.
• Olive oil: A drizzle of olive oil adds richness and helps everything bake evenly.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the filling and bringing out all the flavors.

Optional Ingredients List for Baked Stuffed Shells

If you want to enhance or customize your stuffed shells, consider adding some of these optional ingredients:

• Spinach: Chopped spinach can be mixed into the ricotta filling for extra nutrition and a pop of color.
• Italian sausage: Cooked and crumbled sausage adds a meaty texture and bold flavor to the dish.
• Ground beef: Another option for those who prefer a meaty filling.
• Red pepper flakes: Add a little heat if you like some spice in your stuffed shells.
• Basil: Fresh basil leaves can be used as a garnish or stirred into the filling for an extra layer of flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

Baked stuffed shells are versatile, and you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few popular substitutions and variations:

• Vegan baked stuffed shells: Use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella alternatives, along with plant-based egg substitutes, to make a vegan version of this dish.
• Gluten-free option: Swap out traditional pasta shells for gluten-free jumbo shells made from rice, quinoa, or other gluten-free grains.
• Low-fat version: Opt for part-skim ricotta, mozzarella, and reduced-fat Parmesan to make a lighter version of the dish without sacrificing flavor.
• Meat lovers’ variation: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or pancetta into the ricotta filling for a heartier, meatier version.
• Vegetarian version: Add a variety of sautéed veggies like spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers into the filling to pack in extra nutrients.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making baked stuffed shells from scratch may seem intimidating, but the process is straightforward. Follow these steps to create this delicious dish!

1. Cook the pasta shells: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook them until al dente, according to the package instructions (usually 9-12 minutes). Drain and rinse the shells under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside.
2. Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, half of the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. If you're adding spinach or meat, fold them into the filling at this stage.
3. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
4. Stuff the shells: Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta mixture. Place the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish on top of the marinara sauce.
5. Add more sauce and cheese: Once all the shells are stuffed and arranged in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the shells. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
6. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
7. Let it rest: Remove the dish from the oven and let the stuffed shells rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to serve.

How to Cook Baked Stuffed Shells: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Boil and drain the pasta: Cook the jumbo shells in salted boiling water and drain them when they are just tender. This ensures the shells hold their shape when stuffed.
2. Make the ricotta filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, and seasoning. Stir until smooth and evenly mixed.
3. Fill the shells: Use a spoon or piping bag to fill each shell with a generous amount of the ricotta mixture.
4. Assemble in the baking dish: Place the stuffed shells on top of a layer of marinara sauce in the dish, then cover with more sauce and mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake: Bake the shells covered, then uncover for the last 10 minutes to let the cheese become bubbly and golden.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the pasta: Boiling the shells until they're too soft can cause them to fall apart when stuffing. Be sure to cook them until just al dente.
• Not seasoning the filling: Ricotta cheese can be bland on its own, so don’t forget to add salt, pepper, and herbs to enhance the flavor.
• Skipping the rest time: Letting the dish rest after baking helps the cheese set and makes it easier to serve without the shells falling apart.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Baked stuffed shells are a hearty and filling dish, so they pair best with lighter sides. Consider serving them with:

• Garlic bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is a classic companion to any pasta dish.
• Side salad: A crisp, refreshing salad with a vinaigrette dressing balances the richness of the shells.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add a healthy, colorful side dish.

How to Serve Baked Stuffed Shells

Serve the baked stuffed shells hot, straight out of the oven. Use a spatula to carefully transfer the shells to plates. Be sure to spoon some of the extra sauce over each serving and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for a final touch.

Presentation Ideas for Baked Stuffed Shells

• Individual servings: Arrange 3-4 stuffed shells per plate, garnished with a sprig of fresh basil or parsley.
• Family-style: Serve the entire baking dish at the table, allowing guests to help themselves. You can sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top before serving.

Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe Tips

• Use a piping bag: For easy filling, transfer the ricotta mixture to a piping bag or zip-top bag with a corner snipped off.
• Make-ahead: You can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Freeze for later: Baked stuffed shells freeze well. Prepare the dish, freeze it before baking, and store it for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make baked stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed shells and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. If you're freezing them, they’ll last up to 3 months. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding extra time as needed.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for ricotta, though it will give the filling a slightly different texture and flavor. For a creamier result, blend the cottage cheese in a food processor before mixing it with the other ingredients.

What is the best way to reheat stuffed shells?
Reheat stuffed shells in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Can I add meat to the filling?
Absolutely! Ground beef, sausage, or pancetta can be cooked and mixed into the ricotta filling for a heartier version of stuffed shells.

Conclusion

Baked stuffed shells are a comforting, cheesy, and delicious dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a cozy weeknight meal. With a creamy ricotta filling, rich marinara sauce, and plenty of melted mozzarella, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate different variations and dietary preferences. Try this baked stuffed shells recipe today, and enjoy the irresistible flavors of homemade Italian comfort food!

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