Classic Stuffed Shells
A deliciously rich dish of jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a creamy ricotta filling, layered with marinara sauce, and topped with melty cheese.
Equipment
- 9"x13" baking pan
- Large Bowl
- spoon or piping bag
- Fork
Ingredients
- 24 jumbo pasta shells cooked according to package directions
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided use
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 egg (50g)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cups marinara sauce divided use
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Start by mixing ricotta, one cup of mozzarella, Italian seasoning, and the egg in a bowl. You will know it is ready when it is creamy and well-blended, smelling aromatic and inviting. This filling will make your shells deliciously rich. Just be careful not to overmix, or it can become too dense.
- Take each cooked jumbo shell and fill it with the ricotta mixture using a spoon or piping bag. As you stuff them, feel the shells' smooth edges and see them plump up with cheesy goodness. Each one should be generous, but avoid overstuffing, so they do not burst during baking.
- Spray your baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. You will want a nice even sheen to really keep those shells intact. The dish will feel slippery under your fingers. Skipping this step can lead to a messy cleanup, so do not forget it!
- Pour about a cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the dish and spread it out. You will catch the scent of tomatoes and herbs wafting as you do this. This step keeps the shells moist while baking, so keep an eye on how much you add—too little might dry them out.
- Place the stuffed shells in the sauce-lined dish, opening side up. You can visualize a tidy row of shells ready to shine. Just make sure they are not crowded together, or they will not cook evenly. It is tempting to pack them in, but they need space to breathe!
- Spread the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells evenly. You will see it glisten as it envelopes each shell, creating a saucy layer. This helps prevent the tops from drying out while baking. Do not skip on this sauce; it really ties it all together!
- Cover the shells with the remaining mozzarella and sprinkle grated parmesan on top. Watch as they glisten as you sprinkle, promising a cheesy, bubbly finish. This creates that irresistible crust, but do not pile it too high; you want it to melt nicely and not burn.
- Once it is out of the oven, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color. You will love the fresh aroma that fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to the table. Just let it sit for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning anyone’s tongue.
Notes
Stuffed shells will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store baked shells in the pan covered with foil or transfer to an airtight container.
Use whole milk ricotta and mozzarella for better flavor.
Grate your own cheese for a smoother melt.
Use high-quality jarred marinara sauce.
To reheat, place the stuffed shells in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Serve with garlic knots on the side.
Accompany with a fresh Italian salad.
Pair with prosciutto-wrapped asparagus for a fancy touch.
Add ground turkey or sausage to the cheese filling.
Incorporate sautéed spinach or mushrooms into the mix.
Use Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a creamier dish.
When selecting cheeses, opt for whole milk versions for enhanced flavor.
For ricotta substitutes, you can use small curd cottage cheese or cream cheese.
If the cheese filling seems too dry, a little extra ricotta or a splash of milk can provide more moisture.
If shells stick together when boiling, stirring occasionally in the water helps keep them separate and prevents clumping.
If the sauce is too watery after baking, letting it cool for a few minutes allows it to thicken and improves texture.
For avoiding overcooked shells, consider undercooking them slightly before baking to achieve the right consistency.
When preparing for portions, keep servings manageable to make it easy for everyone to enjoy without hassle.