Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shells are a delightful Italian dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to special gatherings. These creamy, cheesy pasta pockets are not only satisfying but also versatile, making them suitable for various dietary preferences. With a rich blend of cheeses and the option to add spinach, this recipe is sure to impress both family and friends. Plus, they’re make-ahead and freezer-friendly, ensuring you can enjoy a delicious meal anytime with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cheeses and Italian herbs creates an irresistible taste that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare these stuffed shells in advance and freeze them for an easy dinner solution on busy nights.
• Versatile Filling Options: Customize your shells by adding vegetables or different types of cheese based on your preferences.
• Family-Friendly Meal: Kids love cheesy pasta dishes, making this a great option for family meals.
• Easily Scalable: Whether you’re cooking for two or twenty, this recipe can be easily adjusted to fit your needs.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making your stuffed shells, gather a few essential kitchen tools that will make the process smoother.

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Large pot: Perfect for boiling pasta shells without crowding them, ensuring they cook evenly.
• Skillet: Ideal for sautéing garlic and spinach quickly while preserving their flavors.
• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to easily mix the filling ingredients without spilling.
• Baking dish: A sturdy baking dish holds all the stuffed shells securely while they bake to perfection.

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. This ensures that it reaches the right temperature by the time you’re ready to bake.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta Shells

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

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Spinach

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm up olive oil.
1. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add spinach (sliced if desired) and toss to coat in oil.
3. Cook until wilted, about 3 minutes; then set aside to cool.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Filling

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

Step 5: Assemble the Stuffed Shells

Spread half of the marinara sauce at the bottom of your baking dish.
1. Use a spoon to fill each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture.
2. Place filled shells in the baking dish.
3. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Bake

Cover your baking dish with foil and bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes.
1. After that time has passed, remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy this comforting plate of stuffed shells with some garlic bread on the side!

How to Serve Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shells are a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate the meal and impress your guests.

Classic Garlic Bread

• Garlic Butter Toast: Serve warm, this crispy bread complements the creamy stuffed shells beautifully.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread: Top slices of garlic bread with mozzarella for an extra cheesy bite.

Fresh Salad

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing and croutons makes a refreshing contrast to the rich stuffed shells.
• Caprese Salad: Layer fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for a light and flavorful side.

Steamed Vegetables

• Broccoli: Lightly steam broccoli florets to add a nutritious green element without overpowering the dish.
• Green Beans: Sauté green beans with olive oil and garlic for added flavor.

Italian Antipasto Platter

• Cured Meats and Cheeses: Offer a selection of meats like turkey turkey salami or turkey slices paired with assorted cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables.
• Bruschetta: Prepare toasted baguette slices topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze for a tasty appetizer.

How to Perfect Stuffed Shells

To make stuffed shells truly remarkable, consider these helpful tips that will ensure they turn out delicious every time.

• Bold Seasonings: Don’t be shy with your spices! Adding extra herbs or spices enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Boil your shells just shy of al dente. This prevents them from becoming mushy during baking.
• Creamy Filling: Use a mix of cheeses to create a rich filling. Combining ricotta, mozzarella, and cream cheese adds depth.
• Layering Sauce: Spread marinara sauce on both the bottom of the dish and on top. This keeps the shells moist while baking.
• Bake Covered Initially: Cover the dish with foil during the first part of baking to trap moisture, ensuring tender shells.
• Garnish Generously: Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top before serving for added color and freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Stuffed Shells

Pairing side dishes with stuffed shells can enhance your meal’s flavor profile. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad dressed in vinaigrette adds freshness to balance out the creamy stuffed shells.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies tossed in olive oil and herbs bring earthy flavors that complement the dish well.
3. Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, serve zucchini noodles lightly sautéed in garlic as a side.
4. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort alongside stuffed shells.
5. Ratatouille: A vegetable medley cooked down into a savory stew offers a hearty yet healthy accompaniment.
6. Italian Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with herb-infused butter make for an excellent hand-held option alongside your main course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making stuffed shells can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking the shells too long makes them fragile and difficult to fill. Boil them for just under al dente to maintain structure.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Not seasoning your cheese filling or marinara sauce can lead to bland stuffed shells. Always taste and adjust seasonings before assembling.
• Skipping the Cooling Step: Filling hot shells can cause the cheese mixture to melt and spill out. Allow both the pasta and spinach mixture to cool before filling.
• Using Low-Quality Cheese: Cheap cheese can affect flavor and texture. Opt for fresh, high-quality cheeses for a more delicious result.
• Not Layering Sauce Properly: Failing to layer sauce in the baking dish can lead to dried-out shells. Ensure you add enough sauce both at the bottom and on top before baking.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days.
• Allow it to cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Stuffed Shells

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.
• If already baked, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

Reheating Stuffed Shells

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until warm, stirring halfway.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of water in a skillet over medium heat. Cover and heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Stuffed Shells?

Stuffed shells are large pasta shells filled with a creamy cheese mixture, often combined with various ingredients like spinach or meat, then baked with marinara sauce.

Can I customize my Stuffed Shells?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables or proteins based on your preference. Consider using mushrooms, zucchini, or ground chicken for variety.

How do I make vegetarian Stuffed Shells?

Simply omit any meat and increase the amount of vegetables used in the filling. Spinach is a great addition, but you can also add ricotta or other cheeses.

Can I prepare Stuffed Shells ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble them earlier in the day or even freeze them for later use. Just follow proper storage guidelines.

Are Stuffed Shells suitable for meal prepping?

Definitely! They reheat well and make excellent leftovers, perfect for meal prep throughout the week.

Conclusion

These stuffed shells are a delightful main dish that combines creamy cheese with rich flavors. Their versatility allows you to customize them according to your taste preferences, making them suitable for any occasion. Try different fillings or sauces to create your perfect version today!