Best 2 Make Ahead Unstuffed Shells Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary journey with our delectable unstuffed shells, a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. These shells, crafted with love and expertise, are a testament to the art of Italian cuisine. Dive into a selection of recipes that cater to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, meat-lover, and gluten-free options. Each recipe promises a unique gustatory experience, ensuring that every palate finds its match. From the classic Unstuffed Shells with Marinara Sauce, brimming with rich tomato flavors, to the hearty Unstuffed Shells with Sausage and Spinach, bursting with savory goodness, our recipes offer a delightful array of choices. For those seeking a vegetarian delight, the Unstuffed Shells with Roasted Vegetables and Pesto provide a symphony of colors and flavors. And for those with gluten sensitivities, the Unstuffed Shells with Gluten-Free Pasta offer a delicious alternative without compromising on taste. Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving for more.

Let's cook with our recipes!

MAKE-AHEAD UNSTUFFED SHELLS



Make-Ahead Unstuffed Shells image

You can assemble and refrigerate this cheesy, beefy pasta shell dish on Sunday night and, the next day, dinner's on the table in 45 minutes.

Provided by Philadelphia

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese

Time 1h15m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 cups medium pasta shells, uncooked
1 pound extra-lean ground beef
1 (20 ounce) jar pasta sauce
¾ cup PHILADELPHIA Light Cream Cheese Spread
½ cup milk
¼ cup KRAFT 100% Parmesan Shredded Cheese
⅓ cup chopped fresh basil
1 ½ cups KRAFT Part Skim Mozzarella Shredded Cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta as directed on package, omitting salt. Meanwhile, brown meat in large skillet. Stir in pasta sauce; simmer on medium heat 2 min., stirring frequently. Remove from heat.
  • Drain pasta. Whisk cream cheese spread, milk and Parmesan in large bowl until well blended. Add pasta and basil; stir gently until pasta is evenly coated. Spread half the meat sauce onto bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; cover with pasta mixture and remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella; cover with foil. Refrigerate up to 24 hours.
  • Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Bake casserole, covered, 40 to 45 min. or until heated through, uncovering after 30 min.

MAKE-AHEAD UNSTUFFED SHELLS



MAKE-AHEAD UNSTUFFED SHELLS image

Categories     Beef     Cheese     Pasta

Number Of Ingredients 7

4 cups medium pasta shells, uncooked
1 lb. extra-lean ground beef
1 jar (24 oz.) marinara sauce
1 tub (10 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Italian Herb Cooking Creme
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese
1-1/2 cups KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese with a TOUCH OF PHILADELPHIA

Steps:

  • COOK pasta as directed on package, omitting salt. Meanwhile, brown meat in large skillet; drain. Stir in marinara sauce; simmer on medium heat 2 min. Remove from heat. DRAIN pasta. Mix cooking creme, basil and Parmesan in large bowl; stir in pasta. Spread half the meat sauce onto bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; cover with layers of pasta mixture and remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella; cover with foil. Refrigerate up to 24 hours. HEAT oven to 375ºF. Bake casserole, covered, 40 to 45 min. or until heated through, uncovering after 30 min.

Tips:

  • To save time, start with a jar of your favorite marinara sauce or Alfredo sauce.
  • To make the shells more flavorful, add some cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken to the filling.
  • For a vegetarian version, use a combination of chopped vegetables, such as spinach, zucchini, and mushrooms.
  • If you don't have jumbo pasta shells, use regular-sized shells and fill them with less filling.
  • To prevent the shells from sticking together, coat them with a little olive oil before filling them.
  • For a crispy topping, sprinkle the shells with bread crumbs or grated Parmesan cheese before baking.
  • Serve the shells immediately or store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

Make-Ahead Unstuffed Shells are a delicious and easy meal that can be prepared ahead of time. They are perfect for busy weeknights or for entertaining guests. With a few simple tips, you can make sure that your shells are cooked to perfection and that your guests will love them.

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