Best 2 Italian Cheese Stuffed Shells Recipes

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Indulge in the culinary delight of Italian Cheese Stuffed Shells, a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This classic Italian dish features tender jumbo pasta shells generously stuffed with a delectable mixture of ricotta, Parmesan, Romano, and mozzarella cheeses, enveloped in a savory tomato sauce that bursts with umami richness. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of creamy, cheesy goodness, perfectly complemented by the tangy tomato sauce. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe provides step-by-step instructions to guide you in creating this mouthwatering dish. Discover the secrets to crafting the perfect cheese filling, mastering the tomato sauce, and assembling the shells with precision. Elevate your culinary skills and impress your loved ones with this timeless Italian masterpiece.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

ITALIAN CHEESE-STUFFED SHELLS



Italian Cheese-Stuffed Shells image

From Galesville, Wisconsin, Patty Tappendorf notes, "I found this recipe in a church cookbook and thought it was a great twist on traditional lasagna. I omitted the meat, and it's just as yummy. Italian stewed tomatoes add robust flavor."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h50m

Yield 7 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-1/2 cups water
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Italian stewed tomatoes
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1-1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 carton (15 ounces) reduced-fat ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
21 jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained

Steps:

  • In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, cook onion and peppers over medium heat 2 minutes. Add mushrooms; cook 4-5 minutes until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer Stir in water, tomatoes, tomato paste and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 30 minutes. , Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°. In a small bowl, combine eggs, ricotta, 1/2 cup mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Stuff into shells. Spread 1 cup vegetable sauce in a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Arrange shells over sauce; top with remaining sauce. , Cover and bake 45 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until bubbly and cheese is melted. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 351 calories, Fat 11g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 99mg cholesterol, Sodium 457mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (14g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

ITALIAN CHEESE STUFFED SHELLS & EASY MEATBALLS



Italian Cheese Stuffed Shells & Easy Meatballs image

This is my Husbands Favorite meal! It takes some time to make but is well worth the wait and work!

Provided by Linsey Ballard

Categories     Pasta

Time 2h

Number Of Ingredients 28

24 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
1 c chopped fresh mushrooms
1 c finely chopped onion
1 tsp plus 1/4 cup butter, divided
1 1/2 c ricotta cheese
1 pkg (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened, divided
1 1/2 c shredded asiago cheese, divided
1 c shredded parmesan cheese
2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley, divided
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
2 c heavy whipping cream
1/2 c chicken broth
1/2 c milk
2 c shredded romano cheese
1 1/2 c shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
SAUCE AND MEATBALLS
1 lb ground beef chuck
1 small onion
5 clove garlic chopped
1/2 c rice cereal crumbs, divided
1/2 c milk
1 large egg
6 Tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley, divided
salt to taste
1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 jar(s) marinara sauce

Steps:

  • 1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute mushrooms and onion in 1 tablespoon butter until tender.
  • 2. In a large bowl, beat ricotta and 4 ounces cream cheese until blended. Stir in 1/2 cup Asiago cheese, Parmesan cheese,1 tablespoon parsley, garlic salt,pepper and mushroom mixture. Spoon into shells; place in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish.
  • 3. In a large saucepan, melt remaining butter. Wisk in flour until smooth; gradually add the cream, broth and milk. Bring to a boil; cook and Wisk for 1-2 minutes or until thickened.
  • 4. Stir in Romano cheese and the remaining cream cheese, Asiago and parsley,wisk untl smooth and melty. Pour over shells. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 10-15 minutes longer or until bubbly.
  • 5. In a large bowl, combine the beef, onion,1 clove of chopped garlic, cereal crumbs, milk, egg, 2 tablespoons parsley and 1 teaspoon salt; shape into eight 2-in. balls.
  • 6. In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add 2nd chopped garlic clove and cook until golden, about 2 minutes. Add the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Submerge the meatballs in the sauce; bring to a simmer and cook, covered and stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes or until done. Season with about 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 7. serve together with garlic bread...enjoy :)!!

Tips:

  • Use a large pot to cook the shells so that they have plenty of room to move around and cook evenly.
  • Don't overcook the shells. They should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
  • Rinse the shells with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.
  • Use a variety of cheeses in the filling to create a complex and flavorful dish.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different sauces. A tomato sauce is a classic, but you could also try a pesto sauce or a cream sauce.
  • Top the shells with a sprinkle of cheese before baking to create a golden brown crust.

Conclusion:

Italian cheese-stuffed shells are a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you are looking for a new and exciting recipe, give Italian cheese-stuffed shells a try.

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