Description
Comforting classic stuffed shells recipe brings Italian-American pasta magic to dinner tables. Creamy ricotta, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella create a satisfying meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups (720 ml) marinara sauce
- 12 oz (340 g) jumbo pasta shells
- 1 container (15 oz / 425 g) ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups (150 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup (100 g) spinach, cooked and chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsps fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Immerse jumbo shells in a salted, boiling water bath until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent further cooking, then set aside on a clean surface.
- Cheese Mixture Creation: Combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, spinach, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Blend thoroughly until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Oven Setup and Dish Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Shell Filling and Sauce Layering: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Carefully stuff each shell with the cheese mixture and arrange them open-side up in the sauce. Pour additional marinara over the shells, ensuring complete coverage.
- Cheese Topping and Baking: Sprinkle extra mozzarella over the shells. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until cheese melts and turns golden brown.
- Finishing Touches: Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Optimize Shell Texture: Cook pasta shells al dente to prevent mushiness, ensuring they hold stuffing without falling apart during baking.
- Prevent Watery Filling: Drain ricotta cheese using cheesecloth or paper towels to remove excess moisture, guaranteeing a thick, creamy stuffing that won’t make the dish soggy.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Swap traditional cheeses with plant-based alternatives for vegan version; use gluten-free pasta shells for gluten-sensitive individuals; substitute spinach with roasted vegetables for varied nutrition.
- Enhance Flavor Depth: Add red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like oregano and thyme to the cheese mixture for an extra flavor dimension, elevating the classic recipe with subtle, sophisticated undertones.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg