Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious, comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions, baked stuffed shells are a go-to dish that never disappoints. With their savory ricotta filling, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, they’re sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying this recipe for the first time, this guide will walk you through every step, offering helpful tips along the way. Keep reading to learn how to create the perfect baked stuffed shells that will have your guests asking for seconds!

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What are Baked Stuffed Shells?

Baked stuffed shells are an Italian-American pasta dish featuring jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a blend of cheeses, herbs, and sometimes meat or spinach, all baked in a marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese. This dish is a hearty and flavorful crowd-pleaser, combining creamy, cheesy filling with tangy tomato sauce and tender pasta. It’s similar to lasagna in its layered approach, but the individual stuffed shells give it a unique presentation and texture.

Ingredients List for Baked Stuffed Shells

To make classic baked stuffed shells, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Jumbo Pasta Shells (20-25 shells): These are the foundation of the dish and the vessel for the filling. Be sure to cook them just until al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
• Ricotta Cheese (2 cups): The primary ingredient in the filling, ricotta is creamy and mild, making it perfect for absorbing the flavors of herbs and seasonings.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups): This cheese is both in the filling and on top of the dish, creating that irresistible cheesy layer when baked.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (½ cup): Adds a sharp, salty flavor to the filling and enhances the overall taste.
• Egg (1 large): Helps bind the cheese filling together, giving it structure when baked.
• Fresh Spinach (optional, 2 cups cooked): If you want to add some greens, cooked and chopped spinach is a great addition to the filling.
• Fresh Basil and Parsley (2 tablespoons each, chopped): These herbs add freshness and brightness to the dish.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A little garlic adds depth and aromatic flavor to the filling.
• Marinara Sauce (3-4 cups): You can use homemade or store-bought marinara sauce, depending on your preference. It provides the base for the shells to bake in.
• Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Used to coat the baking dish and add some richness to the sauce.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): For seasoning both the cheese mixture and the sauce.

Substitutions and Variations

Baked stuffed shells are highly adaptable, so feel free to make adjustments based on your dietary needs or taste preferences. Here are a few popular variations:

• Meat Filling: For a heartier version, add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or turkey to the cheese mixture. About 1 cup of cooked meat works well.
• Vegetarian: Stick with the cheese filling, or add vegetables like finely chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta shells if you’re avoiding gluten. Most large grocery stores carry gluten-free options.
• Vegan: Substitute the ricotta and mozzarella with vegan cheese alternatives, such as tofu ricotta or cashew-based cheese, and use a flaxseed egg or other vegan egg replacer.
• Alfredo Sauce: For a creamy twist, swap out the marinara sauce for Alfredo sauce or use a blend of both for a creamy tomato sauce.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cooking baked stuffed shells is straightforward, even if it looks like a complex dish. Follow these step-by-step instructions to get it just right.

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). You’ll want to bake the stuffed shells until they’re bubbling and golden, so make sure it’s ready.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo shells until they are al dente, typically about 9-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, ensuring they don’t stick together by tossing them lightly in a bit of olive oil.
3. Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, fresh spinach (if using), basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is fully incorporated.
4. Fill the Shells: Using a spoon, carefully fill each pasta shell with the cheese mixture. You want them to be generously filled, but not overflowing.
5. Assemble the Dish: Coat the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish with a thin layer of marinara sauce. Place the stuffed shells into the dish, open side up. Arrange them snugly but don’t overcrowd.
6. Add the Sauce: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, making sure they are well covered to prevent drying out during baking.
7. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the shells for a golden, cheesy finish.
8. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

How to Cook Baked Stuffed Shells: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Step 1: Boil the Pasta
   Cook the jumbo shells until just al dente. This ensures they will hold their shape during baking. Overcooking can lead to mushy pasta that will fall apart during assembly.
2. Step 2: Mix the Filling
   While the pasta cooks, prepare the ricotta filling by combining all the cheese, herbs, and seasonings in a bowl. Make sure the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
3. Step 3: Stuff the Shells
   Once the pasta is cooked and cooled slightly, carefully stuff each shell with a generous amount of the filling. Be careful not to rip the shells.
4. Step 4: Assemble and Bake
   Pour a layer of sauce in your baking dish, arrange the shells, top with sauce and cheese, and bake until golden and bubbly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Pasta: Remember that the pasta will cook more in the oven, so undercook it slightly when boiling to avoid mushy shells.
• Not Enough Sauce: Be generous with the marinara sauce! It not only adds flavor but also prevents the shells from drying out while baking.
• Too Little Seasoning: Don’t forget to season your ricotta mixture well. Taste it before stuffing the shells to make sure it’s flavorful.
• Overfilling the Shells: Stuffing the shells too much can cause them to burst during baking. A heaping tablespoon of filling is usually just right.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key when it comes to baked stuffed shells. Since each shell is a perfect little package of deliciousness, you can arrange them attractively in the baking dish before serving.

How to Serve Baked Stuffed Shells

• Serve the baked shells with extra marinara sauce on the side for guests who want to add more to their plate.
• Pair them with a crisp green salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added color and flavor right before serving.

Presentation Ideas for Baked Stuffed Shells

• Arrange the shells in a circular pattern in the baking dish for an eye-catching presentation.
• Drizzle extra marinara sauce on top and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan before bringing the dish to the table.
• Serve individual portions in small, oven-safe dishes for a more personal and elegant presentation.

Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: Baked stuffed shells can be assembled a day in advance and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake. This makes them a great option for entertaining or meal prepping.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze the dish, assemble the shells in a freezer-safe container and freeze before baking. When ready to cook, bake directly from the freezer, adding about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
• Reheating: To reheat leftovers, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
   Yes, you can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta. Just blend it to make it smoother if you prefer a less chunky texture.
2. Can I make baked stuffed shells ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can assemble the dish and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
3. How long do baked stuffed shells last in the fridge?
   Properly stored, baked stuffed shells will last 3-4 days in the fridge.
4. Can I freeze baked stuffed shells?
   Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.

Conclusion

Baked stuffed shells are a classic comfort food that’s easy to prepare yet always impressive. With their flavorful cheese filling, tender pasta, and rich marinara sauce, they make for the perfect family meal or dinner party dish. Now that you know all the tips and tricks, you’re ready to create your own delicious baked stuffed shells. Enjoy!

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