Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shells are a delightful comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. These creamy, cheesy delights are perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even special occasions. The combination of rich flavors from the 4-cheese blend and the freshness of sautéed spinach makes this dish a standout choice. Plus, they are easy to prepare ahead of time, making them a convenient option for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of four cheeses combined with Italian seasonings creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly and perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Stuffed shells can be assembled in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer, saving you time on busy days.
• Customizable: Add your favorite ingredients like veggies or different cheeses to make it your own!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish reheats well, making it great for leftovers or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make all the difference in your cooking experience. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious stuffed shells.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• Casserole dish (9 x 13-inch)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta shells evenly without crowding them.
• Skillet: Perfect for sautéing garlic and spinach quickly while retaining their flavor.
• Mixing Bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to mix all cheese fillings thoroughly.
• Casserole Dish: Provides ample space for layering your stuffed shells with sauce and cheese.

Ingredients

These classic stuffed shells are filled with a creamy 4-cheese blend with Italian seasonings, sautéed garlic, and the optional addition of spinach. This meal is also make-ahead and freezer friendly!

Ingredients:
– 18-20 jumbo pasta shells (boil extra in case some break)
– 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic (minced)
– 4 cups spinach
– 15 oz. Ricotta
– ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
– 3 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded and divided)
– 2 Tablespoons cream cheese
– 1 egg
– 24 ounces marinara sauce
– Fresh parsley (to garnish)
– ½ tsp Salt
– ¼ tsp pepper
– ½ teaspoon dried basil
– ½ teaspoon dried parsley
– ½ teaspoon dried oregano

How to Make Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your stuffed shells will cook evenly when placed in the oven.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta Shells

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Carefully add the jumbo pasta shells and cook them for about one minute less than al dente (around 13 minutes; refer to package instructions).
3. Set a timer to avoid overcooking.
4. Once cooked, drain them and rinse gently under cold water until cool. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant.
3. Add spinach; toss to coat in oil and cook until wilted (about three minutes). Set aside to cool.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, seasonings, half of the mozzarella cheese, most of the Parmesan (reserve some Parmesan for topping), cream cheese, and egg; stir well.
5. Fold in the cooled spinach mixture into the cheese filling.

Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Shells

1. Spread half of marinara sauce at the bottom of a casserole dish or an oven-safe skillet.
2. Use a spoon to fill each pasta shell with the cheese mixture carefully; place filled shells into the baking dish.
3. Pour remaining marinara sauce over filled shells; top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Step 5: Bake

Cover your baking dish with foil and bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes.
Afterward, remove cover and bake for an additional ten minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving alongside Garlic Bread with Cheese!

Enjoy your delicious stuffed shells!

How to Serve Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shells are a delightful main course that can be served in various ways to enhance your meal experience. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a family meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dish.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Garden Salad: A simple mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed lightly with vinaigrette.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with creamy dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese.

Add Garlic Bread

• Classic Garlic Bread: Toasted baguette slices topped with garlic butter, perfect for dipping in marinara sauce.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread: Similar to classic but with melted mozzarella for an extra cheesy bite.

Serve with Roasted Vegetables

• Seasonal Roasted Veggies: A mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots seasoned and roasted until tender.
• Garlic Roasted Broccoli: Broccoli florets tossed in olive oil and garlic, then roasted for a crispy texture.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Basil: Adds a fresh touch that complements the Italian flavors beautifully.
• Parsley Garnish: Sprinkling fresh parsley over the top enhances color and flavor.

How to Perfect Stuffed Shells

Making stuffed shells is easy, but a few tips can help you achieve perfection. Here are some essential pointers to keep in mind.

• Boldly Season Your Cheese Mixture: Don’t hold back on herbs and spices! This infusion of flavor makes all the difference.
• Use High-Quality Cheese: Opt for fresh mozzarella and ricotta for a creamier texture and richer taste.
• Avoid Overcooking the Pasta: Cook the shells just under al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy when baked.
• Layer Marinara Sauce Generously: Ensure both layers of sauce contribute moisture and flavor throughout the dish.
• Cover While Baking Initially: This helps trap steam, ensuring your shells are tender before browning them at the end.

Best Side Dishes for Stuffed Shells

Pairing stuffed shells with the right sides can enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garlic Knots: Soft bread knots brushed with garlic butter—perfect for sopping up leftover sauce.
2. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make a refreshing starter.
3. Italian Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, marinated veggies, and cheeses sets an inviting tone before the main course.
4. Zucchini Fritters: Crispy fritters that add texture and flavor while keeping things light alongside the stuffed shells.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms: Baked mushrooms filled with herb-infused cheese provide an elegant touch.
6. Roasted Asparagus: Seasoned asparagus spears add a healthy green side that contrasts beautifully with the richness of stuffed shells.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making stuffed shells is a delightful experience, but certain mistakes can hinder the outcome. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

• Overcooking the Shells: Boiling the shells for too long can cause them to break. Follow the package instructions and cook them for one minute less than al dente.
• Skipping the Cooling Step: Filling warm shells can lead to a messy situation. Always let your shells cool after boiling to make filling easier and cleaner.
• Not Mixing Ingredients Thoroughly: Inadequate mixing can result in uneven flavor distribution. Ensure all cheeses and seasonings are well combined for a delicious filling.
• Ignoring Seasoning: A lack of seasoning can make your dish bland. Don’t forget to add salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to enhance the flavor of your stuffed shells.
• Using Low-Quality Cheese: Cheaper cheeses may not melt well or have great flavor. Opt for high-quality cheeses for a creamy texture and rich taste.
• Neglecting to Cover While Baking: Leaving your dish uncovered can lead to drying out. Cover with foil for part of the baking time, then uncover it for a golden finish.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store stuffed shells in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Stuffed Shells

• Use a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap.
• Stuffed shells can be frozen for up to 3 months before baking.

Reheating Stuffed Shells

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover lightly, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Add a little marinara sauce in a skillet over medium heat, stirring gently until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Stuffed Shells?

Stuffed shells are large pasta shells filled with cheese mixtures and baked in marinara sauce. They are a popular Italian dish known for their creamy and savory flavors.

Can I customize my Stuffed Shells?

Absolutely! You can mix in vegetables, different types of cheese, or even cooked ground meat like chicken or turkey for added protein.

How do I make Stuffed Shells ahead of time?

Prepare your stuffed shells and assemble them in the baking dish without cooking. Cover and refrigerate overnight or freeze them before baking.

What should I serve with Stuffed Shells?

Stuffed shells pair wonderfully with garlic bread, side salads, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

These stuffed shells are a classic dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any table. Their versatility allows you to customize fillings according to your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep!

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