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Stuffed Shells

Stuffed Shells
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This easy Stuffed Shells recipe features jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and egg, baked in a rich marinara sauce. It’s a comforting, family-friendly meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions, combining simple ingredients into a deliciously cheesy and satisfying dish that’s sure to please all ages.

Ingredients

Scale

Shells and Sauce

  • 20 jumbo pasta shells
  • 3 cups marinara sauce

Cheese Filling

  • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 large egg
  • ⅓ cup chopped fresh herbs (basil and/or parsley)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the shells: Boil jumbo pasta shells in salted water until al dente—tender yet firm enough to hold their shape. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Lay on a drying towel to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the cheese filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, one cup mozzarella, half the Parmesan, egg, chopped fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  3. Stuff the shells: Using a spoon, fill each cooked shell generously with the cheese mixture, being careful not to break the pasta.
  4. Assemble in a baking dish: Pour a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer, then cover with remaining marinara sauce. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  5. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta shells; they should be slightly underdone to avoid breaking.
  • Drain shells well to prevent watery filling.
  • Use room temperature cheeses for a smoother filling mix.
  • Cover with foil while baking to retain moisture and ensure even melting.
  • Let the dish rest a few minutes after baking to allow filling to firm up before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed shells, ricotta, mozzarella, marinara sauce, cheesy pasta, baked shells, Italian comfort food, family dinner

Find it online: https://marycorner.com/stuffed-shells/