Irresistible Stuffed Pasta Shells: A Family Favorite Recipe

Imagine a plate of stuffed pasta shells, glistening under the warm kitchen lights, each one bursting with rich flavors and creamy textures. As you take a whiff, the scent of garlic mingling with melted cheese wafts through the air, making your stomach growl louder than your favorite sitcom’s laugh track. These delightful pasta creations can turn even the most mundane weeknight into a family fiesta, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating the next bite.

Now picture this: It’s a chilly Sunday evening, and you’re surrounded by your favorite people. The conversation flows as easily as the homemade marinara sauce sliding over those glorious stuffed pasta shells. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a hug on a plate, perfect for cozy gatherings or simple dinners when you need that comforting embrace of Italian comfort food.

My friends couldn’t stop raving about these stuffed pasta shells at last week’s potluck; one even asked if I was taking requests for leftovers!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Large Pasta Shells: Look for sturdy shells that hold their shape well; they will cradle all that cheesy goodness.

• Ricotta Cheese: Choose fresh ricotta for a creamy texture that melts in your mouth; it’s the star of the stuffing.

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for whole milk mozzarella for its melty characteristics; it creates that gooey topping we all crave.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds nutty depth; it’s worth it to skip the pre-grated stuff.

• Fresh Spinach: Use baby spinach leaves; they wilt beautifully and add a pop of color and nutrition.

• Marinara Sauce: A good quality store-bought or homemade marinara brings everything together with its tangy sweetness.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential; it infuses your filling with aromatic flavor, making each bite irresistible.

• Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs such as oregano and basil enhances the overall flavor profile beautifully.

• Salt and Pepper: Simple but necessary to season your filling perfectly; don’t skimp on these staples!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepping these delectable stuffed pasta shells involves several straightforward steps that will have your kitchen smelling heavenly.

Cook the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain them carefully and set aside to cool slightly.

Sauté Garlic and Spinach: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and minced garlic until fragrant. Toss in fresh spinach until wilted, which should take about two minutes.

Create the Cheesy Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sautéed spinach mixture, half of the mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until thoroughly combined.

Stuff the Shells: Begin filling each cooked pasta shell with about one tablespoon of the cheesy mixture. Place them carefully in a greased baking dish to keep them intact.

Add Marinara Sauce and Cheese Topping: Pour marinara sauce generously over the stuffed pasta shells until they’re nicely coated. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top for an extra cheesy finish.

Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Serve these stuffed pasta shells hot from the oven, garnished with fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy! Enjoy every cheesy bite as they melt in your mouth like warm hugs at family dinner time.

Making stuffed pasta shells is not only fun but creates memories around the dinner table that last long after those last bites are taken!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling your pasta shells until al dente; they will finish cooking in the oven. While they cook, prepare your filling and sauce simultaneously to save time and ensure everything is perfectly hot when served.

Add Your Touch

Get creative with your fillings! Swap ricotta for goat cheese or add sautéed spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for a vibrant twist. Experiment with spices like nutmeg or basil to customize the flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover stuffed pasta shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm, about 20 minutes, to keep them from drying out.

When my little niece tasted these stuffed pasta shells, her eyes lit up like Christmas lights! She declared me a “pasta wizard,” and I couldn’t help but feel proud of my culinary magic.

FAQ

Can I freeze stuffed pasta shells?

Yes, you can freeze them before baking; just cover tightly to avoid freezer burn.

How long should I cook the stuffed pasta shells?

Bake them for about 25-30 minutes at 375°F until bubbly and golden brown on top.

What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese or cream cheese work well as tasty alternatives in stuffed pasta shells.

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Stuffed Pasta Shells

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Indulge in the comfort of homemade stuffed pasta shells, a delightful dish that brings rich flavors and creamy textures to your dinner table. Each shell is generously filled with a savory mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and fresh spinach, all enveloped in a tangy marinara sauce. Perfect for cozy family gatherings or simple weeknight dinners, these stuffed shells will have everyone coming back for seconds.

• Author: Logan Reed
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6 (2 stuffed shells per serving) 1x
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 large pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves (chopped)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and cool slightly.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
3. In a bowl, combine ricotta, half the mozzarella, sautéed spinach, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each pasta shell with about one tablespoon of the filling and place them in a greased baking dish.
5. Cover the stuffed shells with marinara sauce and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top.
6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes covered with foil, then remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (160g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 17g
• Cholesterol: 50mg