Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal, this Baked Stuffed Shells recipe is the perfect choice. It features large pasta shells stuffed with a creamy ricotta filling, smothered in marinara sauce, and topped with melted cheese. This Italian-inspired dish is ideal for family dinners, special occasions, or when you’re in the mood for something warm and satisfying. Let’s get started on this delicious, cheesy baked pasta dish that’s sure to be a hit!

this Recipe

What are “Baked Stuffed Shells”?

Baked Stuffed Shells are large pasta shells filled with a rich and creamy ricotta cheese mixture, typically seasoned with Italian herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. These stuffed shells are arranged in a baking dish, covered with marinara sauce, and baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly. It’s an Italian comfort food classic, similar to lasagna or manicotti, but with a fun twist that makes each bite an individual, cheesy delight.

Ingredients List for Baked Stuffed Shells

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious Baked Stuffed Shells:

1. 1 box jumbo pasta shells (about 24-30 shells)
2. 15 oz ricotta cheese
3. 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
4. ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
5. 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
6. 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
7. 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, or 1 tablespoon dried)
8. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
9. 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
10. ¼ teaspoon salt
11. ¼ teaspoon black pepper
12. Fresh basil or parsley (optional garnish)

Ingredients List for Baked Stuffed Shells (Healthier Option)

For a lighter, healthier version of Baked Stuffed Shells, here are a few ingredient swaps:

1. Whole wheat or gluten-free jumbo shells (for added fiber or dietary restrictions)
2. Low-fat ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for fewer calories)
3. Low-fat mozzarella cheese (to reduce calories and fat)
4. Marinara sauce with no added sugar (to reduce sugar intake)

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is highly adaptable, and you can modify it based on your preferences:

• Add Spinach: Mix 1 cup of cooked, chopped spinach into the ricotta mixture for extra nutrition.
• Protein Boost: Add cooked ground beef, turkey, or sausage to the marinara sauce for a heartier meal.
• Different Cheeses: Substitute some of the ricotta with cottage cheese or mascarpone for a creamier texture, or use Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: You can keep it vegetarian by sticking with the cheese and spinach filling, or add roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your Baked Stuffed Shells:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (about 9-11 minutes). Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Ricotta Filling

1. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is well combined and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Shells

1. Stuff the Shells: Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture into each cooked pasta shell. Be careful not to overfill, as the cheese may ooze out during baking.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
3. Arrange the Shells: Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish, open side up. Arrange them closely together in a single layer.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese

1. Top with Sauce: Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, making sure they are all covered.
2. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the shells.

Step 6: Bake

1. Cover with Foil: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the shells from drying out.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Broil (Optional)

1. Broil for a Golden Top: If you want the cheese on top to be extra golden and bubbly, remove the foil and broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

1. Cool and Garnish: Let the stuffed shells cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for added color and flavor.

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

1. Boil the Pasta: Cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente, then drain and let them cool slightly.
2. Make the Filling: Mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and seasonings to create a creamy, flavorful filling.
3. Stuff the Shells: Fill each shell with a spoonful of the ricotta mixture and arrange them in a baking dish.
4. Top with Sauce and Cheese: Cover the shells with marinara sauce and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
5. Bake: Cover and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then broil for a golden finish if desired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente. Overcooked shells can fall apart when stuffed.
2. Undersalting the Ricotta Mixture: Taste the ricotta filling before stuffing the shells to ensure it’s well-seasoned. The filling should be flavorful and balanced.
3. Not Covering the Casserole: Cover the dish with foil to prevent the shells from drying out during baking. Removing the foil for the last few minutes will help brown the cheese on top.
4. Overstuffing the Shells: Be careful not to overstuff the shells, as they may burst or overflow during baking.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Even though this dish is rich and hearty, you can still make it look appealing with a few simple presentation ideas:

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top the baked shells with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness.
2. Serve with Garlic Bread: Pair the stuffed shells with garlic bread or crusty bread to soak up the extra marinara sauce.
3. Add a Side Salad: Serve with a light, crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette or a simple Caesar salad to balance the richness of the dish.

How to Serve Baked Stuffed Shells

• Family Style: Serve the stuffed shells directly from the baking dish at the table, allowing everyone to help themselves.
• Individual Portions: For a more elegant presentation, plate 3-4 shells per person and garnish with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan cheese.

Presentation Ideas for Baked Stuffed Shells

1. Rustic Serving Dish: Bake and serve the shells in a rustic ceramic or cast-iron dish for a cozy, homestyle feel.
2. Herb Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley, basil, or even a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added flavor and color.
3. Golden Cheese Top: Broil the casserole at the end of baking to get a beautifully golden and bubbly cheese topping.

Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: You can assemble the stuffed shells up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover the dish and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
• Freezing: These shells freeze well! Assemble the shells, but don't bake. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
A: Yes, you can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta in the filling. It will give a similar texture but with a slightly different flavor.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Just use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free as well.

Q: Can I add meat to the filling?
A: Yes! You can add cooked ground beef, sausage, or even shredded chicken to the ricotta mixture or to the marinara sauce for a heartier meal.

Q: How can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Use dairy

-free ricotta (available in many stores) and dairy-free mozzarella. Make sure your marinara sauce is also dairy-free.

Q: Can I freeze stuffed shells?
A: Yes! You can freeze assembled stuffed shells before baking. Simply cover the dish tightly and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Conclusion

These Baked Stuffed Shells are a classic Italian comfort food, combining tender pasta shells, creamy ricotta filling, and flavorful marinara sauce into one cheesy, delicious dish. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions, this recipe is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Customize it to your taste with different fillings or sauces, and enjoy the warmth and coziness of a homemade baked pasta dish. Bon appétit!

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