Classic stuffed shells are the ultimate comfort food, bringing together creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and savory marinara sauce in one delightful package. This Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe is not only simple to make but also incredibly tasty and customizable to fit your family’s favorites. Perfect for busy days or cozy family dinners, these stuffed shells are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 450
Protein: 25 grams
Carbohydrates: 45 grams
Fat: 20 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Sugar: 5 grams
Sodium: 750 mg
Why Make Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe
This Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe is not just delicious; it also offers a range of health benefits. With protein-packed ricotta and a plethora of vitamins from the marinara sauce, this dish can be both nutritious and indulgent. Additionally, its versatility allows you to mix and match ingredients, accommodating various dietary preferences like adding vegetables or substituting with different cheeses.
How to Make Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe Step by Step
Ingredients
24 jumbo pasta shells, cooked according to package directions
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 egg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
3 cups marinara sauce, divided use
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (reserved from the 3 cups total)
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Cooking spray
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and coat a 9×13 inch baking pan lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Spread 1 1/2 cups of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the baking dish to create a flavorful base for the shells.
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella, Italian seasoning, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined.
Carefully fill each cooked jumbo pasta shell with the ricotta cheese mixture, ensuring they are generously stuffed but not overfilled to avoid breakage.
Place the filled shells in the prepared baking dish on top of the marinara sauce, arranging them in a single layer.
Spoon the remaining 1 1/2 cups of marinara sauce evenly over the shells, then sprinkle the reserved 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and filling to set.
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beginning to brown slightly on top.
Remove from oven, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh finish, and serve warm.
How to Serve Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe
For a well-rounded meal, serve Classic Stuffed Shells with a light side salad dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette. Garlic bread is another popular choice, perfect for mopping up any extra marinara sauce. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top adds a delightful richness, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
How to Store Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe
To store leftovers, place the stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep for about 3-5 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through. If you want to freeze the shells, assemble them and then cover well before freezing. They can be baked from frozen; just add extra cooking time.
Expert Tips for Cooking Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe
- For extra flavor, add spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the ricotta mixture.
- Make sure to cook the pasta shells al dente; they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Don’t skimp on marinara sauce, as it keeps the dish moist and adds extra flavor.
- For a spicy twist, add crushed red pepper flakes to the filling or sauce.
- You can prep these shells ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Delicious Variations of Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe
Try adding chopped roasted peppers or olives for a Mediterranean flair. For a vegetarian option, incorporate sautéed zucchini or eggplant into the cheese mixture. If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different herbs or a hint of lemon zest for a refreshing citrus kick.
Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a satisfying meal that’s loaded with flavor. Its simplicity and adaptability make it a dish everyone in the family will love. Enjoy the comfort of this classic dish, perfect for any occasion!
Classic Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 24 pieces jumbo pasta shells, cooked according to package directions
- 3 cups marinara sauce, divided use
Filling
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided (1 1/2 cups for filling, reserved 1 1/2 cups for topping)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 pieces egg
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and coat a 9x13 inch baking pan lightly with cooking spray.
- Spread 1 1/2 cups of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella, Italian seasoning, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, mixing thoroughly until smooth.
- Carefully fill each cooked jumbo pasta shell with the ricotta cheese mixture.
- Place the filled shells in the prepared baking dish on top of the marinara sauce.
Baking
- Spoon the remaining 1 1/2 cups of marinara sauce evenly over the shells.
- Sprinkle the reserved 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top, and serve warm.
