Creamy Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe: A Comforting Italian Delight

Creamy, delectable baked stuffed shells dance with rich Italian flavors that promise pure comfort.

Cheesy goodness awaits in this classic pasta dish that brings warmth to any dinner table.

Ricotta, spinach, and tender pasta shells create a mouthwatering combination that speaks directly to your soul.

Perfectly seasoned ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a meal that feels like a culinary embrace.

Weeknight dinners or special gatherings welcome this delightful recipe with open arms.

Subtle herbs and melted cheese promise a dining experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to savor every delicious bite of this irresistible comfort food.

Reasons to Enjoy Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe

• Craft a Crowd-Pleaser: This stuffed shells recipe brings everyone together with its irresistible combination of cheesy goodness and hearty flavors that appeal to all ages.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Minimal prep work and straightforward steps make this dish a go-to solution for busy home cooks looking to serve a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like adding ground meat, trying different cheeses, or incorporating alternative vegetables to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the dish ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready, making it perfect for planning meals in advance and saving precious cooking time during hectic weeks.

Essential Ingredients for Baked Stuffed Shells

• Jumbo Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for stuffing with delicious fillings.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese that provides a smooth and rich base for the stuffing.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese that adds a classic stretchy texture and flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Spinach: Leafy green vegetable that adds nutrition and earthy flavor to the filling.
• Egg: Binding agent that helps hold the filling together.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and flavor to the stuffing.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that brings authentic Italian taste to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that provides moisture and traditional Italian taste.

• Fresh Basil: Herb that adds a fresh, aromatic finish to the baked dish.

Step-by-Step Baked Stuffed Shells Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking.

Step 2: Create Creamy Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Cooked spinach
• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Blend all ingredients until well mixed and smooth.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Dish

Spread a layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 4: Stuff Those Shells

Take your cooked pasta shells and carefully fill each one with the ricotta mixture.

Arrange the stuffed shells neatly on top of the sauce in the baking dish.

Step 5: Add More Sauce

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are generously covered.

Step 6: Cheese Topping

Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese over the top of the shells.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil and place in the preheated oven.

Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot and watch everyone dive in!

Helpful Advice for Baked Stuffed Shells

• Select jumbo shells that are intact and free from cracks to prevent filling leakage during baking.
• Drain cooked spinach thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the ricotta mixture, ensuring a creamy and firm filling.
• Let shells cool slightly before stuffing to make handling easier and prevent burning your fingers.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and more intense flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
• Swap spinach with other vegetables like zucchini or kale for variety, keeping the same measurement and moisture-removal technique.

Flavor Twists for Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe

• Vegan Veggie Shells: Replace ricotta with tofu, use vegan mozzarella, and add roasted bell peppers and zucchini for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Shells: Swap regular pasta shells with gluten-free pasta shells, keeping all other ingredients the same for a celiac-friendly meal.
• Protein-Packed Chicken Shells: Incorporate cooked ground chicken into the cheese mixture and add extra Italian herbs for a protein-rich alternative.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Boats: Use thin zucchini slices as shell replacements, stuffing them with the original cheese mixture for a low-carbohydrate option.

Pairing Ideas for Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe

• Cozy Family Dinner: Serve these shells as a hearty main course with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal.
• Italian Antipasto Companion: Pair the shells with an Italian-style appetizer platter featuring cured meats, olives, and marinated vegetables to enhance the dining experience.
• Weekend Potluck Star: Bring these shells to a gathering, keeping them warm in a portable casserole carrier to impress friends and family with a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish.
• Romantic Date Night: Create an intimate dinner by plating the shells with a drizzle of extra marinara, candlelight, and a glass of red wine for a memorable evening.

How to Store Baked Stuffed Shells Properly

• Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss.
• Freeze the baked shells for up to 2-3 months by placing them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
• Label the container with the date to track storage time.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw and squeeze out excess water from frozen spinach before mixing into the ricotta cheese filling.

• Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian. Just ensure your marinara sauce doesn’t contain meat.

• How can I prevent the shells from sticking together?

Cook pasta shells al dente and rinse with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when ready to cook.

Cheesy Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cheesy baked stuffed shells bring Italian comfort to your dinner table with ricotta, spinach, and marinara sauce. Hearty pasta pockets promise a satisfying meal that will delight you at first bite.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells (cooked and drained)
• 2 cups (473 ml) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (237 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (118 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (237 ml) cooked spinach (drained and chopped)
• 2 cups (473 ml) marinara sauce

Seasoning and Aromatics:

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Binding and Garnish:

• 1 egg
• Fresh basil (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) to prepare for baking the stuffed shells.
2. Combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, thoroughly drained spinach, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until well-blended.
3. Create a foundational layer by spreading marinara sauce across the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the prepared cheese and herb mixture, arranging them neatly in the sauce-lined dish.
5. Generously drizzle the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Evenly distribute additional mozzarella cheese across the top of the shells.
7. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to heat through.
8. Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 more minutes until the cheese becomes golden and bubbling.
9. Finish by scattering fresh basil leaves over the top and serve piping hot directly from the baking dish.

Notes

• Drain spinach thoroughly to prevent watery filling and ensure a creamy, rich texture in your stuffed shells.
• Consider using whole wheat shells for a healthier, fiber-rich alternative that adds nutritional value without compromising taste.
• Experiment with different cheeses like fontina or goat cheese to create unique flavor profiles and keep the dish exciting.
• Prepare extra shells as some might tear during cooking, giving you backup options and reducing kitchen stress.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg