Delight your taste buds with the scrumptious allure of Stuffed Shells—an iconic Italian dish featuring jumbo pasta shells embracing a savory ricotta filling, all enveloped in a luscious marinara sauce. This comforting and fulfilling meal is an ideal choice for family dinners, gatherings, or any occasion where the desire for a hearty pasta dish arises. Join in the culinary journey and let’s explore the creation of these delightful Stuffed Shells, destined to earn a cherished spot on your dining table as a newfound favorite!
Ingredients:
For the Stuffed Shells:
- 1 box jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 2 cans (14 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Additional:
- Extra shredded mozzarella and Parmesan for topping
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta Shells:
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Ricotta Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, eggs, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Stuff the Shells:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spoon the ricotta filling into each cooked pasta shell, ensuring they are generously filled.
- Make the Marinara Sauce:
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish, and pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
- Optional Tips:
- Add cooked and crumbled Italian sausage to the ricotta filling for a meaty variation.
- Experiment with different cheese blends, such as fontina or provolone.
- In conclusion, Stuffed Shells are a pasta lover’s dream—filled with creamy ricotta, covered in marinara sauce, and topped with gooey melted cheese. Whether served for a cozy family dinner or as a delightful dish for a gathering, these Stuffed Shells are sure to satisfy your cravings for comforting Italian flavors. Enjoy each bite of these cheesy, pasta-filled delights!
