Classic Stuffed Shells are the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a chilly day. Picture this: plump pasta shells, lovingly cradling a creamy concoction of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, all blanketed in a zesty marinara sauce. As they bake, the kitchen fills with an aroma that could make even the most dedicated takeout lover reconsider their life choices. Halloween-themed dessert fun party snack mix stuffed peppers for Halloween These delightful morsels are perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings when you just want to indulge without an ounce of guilt.

Now, let me take you back to my childhood. My family had this tradition where we’d gather every Sunday for a big Italian feast. The highlight? My grandmother’s Classic Stuffed Shells! Everyone would sit around the table, laughter echoing through the house as we devoured those cheesy delights. comforting Italian soup It felt like the world melted away with every bite, and I swear those shells were sprinkled with magic! You’ll find that these shells bring a similar joy to any occasion—perfect for holidays, parties, or simply when you need a pick-me-up after a long week.

I still remember the first time I made these for friends; they practically licked their plates clean!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Shepherd’s Pie recipe.

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Look for sturdy shells that can hold up against stuffing and baking without falling apart.
• Ricotta Cheese: Opt for whole milk ricotta for creaminess; it makes all the difference in flavor.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Choose fresh mozzarella if possible; it melts beautifully and adds that gooey texture we love.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: A must-have for that nutty flavor; freshly grated is always best.
• Marinara Sauce: Store-bought works fine, but homemade adds extra love and flavor—just like Grandma used to make!
• Fresh Basil: Use it as a garnish or mix it into your filling for an added layer of freshness.
• Egg: Helps bind your cheese mixture together; it’s like glue but tastier!
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all those flavors; don’t skip them!

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

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your stuffed shells cook evenly and come out perfectly golden.

Cook the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente—about 8-10 minutes should do!

Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended; it should look creamy and delicious.

Stuff Those Shells!: Once cooled slightly, take each shell and fill it generously with the ricotta mixture using a spoon or piping bag for precision.

Add Sauce and Cheese Topping: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Arrange stuffed shells seam side up and cover with more sauce. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.

Bake Until Golden and Bubbly: Cover with foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Then remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

And there you have it—Classic Stuffed Shells that will have everyone asking for seconds (or thirds!). Enjoy your culinary masterpiece straight from the oven! For more inspiration, check out this Easy Bangers and Mash recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the pasta shells until al dente, then prepare your filling while they cook for efficiency. Assemble the dish by layering sauce, stuffed shells, and cheese to ensure even baking and flavor distribution.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ricotta for cottage cheese or add sautéed spinach for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different herbs or even add some cooked ground meat to the filling for a heartier version.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven covered with foil at 350°F until heated through to maintain that melty goodness.

Sharing my first attempt at classic stuffed shells, I remember my friends raving about them, especially when I accidentally added too much garlic – they called it “extra flavor.” That night became a running joke among us!

FAQ

What type of cheese is best for classic stuffed shells?

A mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan gives amazing flavor and creaminess.

Can I freeze classic stuffed shells?

Yes! Freeze them unbaked; just add extra cooking time when baking from frozen.

How long do classic stuffed shells take to bake?

Bake at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

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Classic Stuffed Shells

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• Author: Mery Mack
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Classic Stuffed Shells deliver a heartwarming culinary experience, featuring tender jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, all enveloped in zesty marinara sauce. This dish not only evokes nostalgia but is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. With its rich flavors and delightful textures, it’s sure to impress your guests and become a favorite at your table.

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Ingredients

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• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 large egg
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and let cool slightly.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, half the mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Generously fill each shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon.
5. Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place stuffed shells seam side up in the dish and cover with remaining sauce. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (about 200g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 640mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 60mg