Description
Delightful Italian-style baked stuffed shells showcase ricotta and spinach nestled in tender pasta shells. Cheese lovers will savor this comforting classic that brings Mediterranean warmth to dinner tables.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) marinara sauce
Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Finishing Ingredients:
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375F (190C) to prepare for baking the stuffed shells.
- Boil pasta shells in salted water until tender, following package instructions. Carefully drain and allow shells to cool slightly.
- Create a creamy filling by combining ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Blend ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Coat the bottom of a baking dish with a generous layer of marinara sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
- Using a spoon, carefully fill each cooled pasta shell with the prepared cheese mixture, nestling them snugly into the sauced baking dish.
- Generously drizzle remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring complete coverage. Sprinkle the top with additional mozzarella cheese for a golden, melty finish.
- Shield the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cheese to melt.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly and crisp.
Notes
- Choose jumbo shells for easier stuffing and a more visually appealing presentation.
- Drain ricotta cheese thoroughly to prevent watery filling and maintain a creamy texture.
- Gently pat cooked shells dry to help the cheese mixture adhere better and prevent excess moisture.
- Consider adding fresh basil or spinach to the cheese mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg