Best 2 Simple Stuffed Shells Recipes
Indulge in the culinary delight of stuffed shells, a classic Italian dish that tantalizes taste buds with its combination of rich flavors and textures. These delectable shells are crafted with jumbo pasta shells, generously filled with a mixture of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses, spinach, and a touch of Italian herbs, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. Bathed in a luscious tomato sauce, these stuffed shells are baked to perfection, resulting in a dish that is both visually appealing and incredibly satisfying. Whether you're looking for a hearty family meal, a special occasion dish, or simply a comforting dinner, these stuffed shells are sure to leave you craving for more. Explore our collection of stuffed shell recipes, ranging from classic variations to innovative twists, and discover the perfect recipe to suit your taste preferences and culinary skills.
Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!
SIMPLE STUFFED SHELLS
A make-ahead version of an Italian classic, these cooked pasta shells are stuffed with hearty beef, ricotta and mozzarella. Make a double batch and keep one in the freezer for a handy potluck dish.
Provided by By Paula Jones
Categories Entree
Time 1h30m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
- In 2-quart saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add beef. Cook 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is thoroughly cooked. Stir in tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low; cook uncovered about 20 minutes until liquid is reduced.
- Meanwhile, cook and drain pasta shells as directed on box, using minimum cook time. Rinse with cold water to cool; drain.
- In medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, the egg and 2 tablespoons basil.
- Spoon about 2 cups meat sauce into baking dish. Using small spoon, carefully fill each pasta shell with about 2 tablespoons cheese mixture (do not overfill). Invert shells and place on sauce in baking dish. Spoon remaining meat sauce over shells. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
- Bake uncovered about 30 minutes until sauce is bubbly and cheese is melted. Garnish with additional basil.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 680, Carbohydrate 62 g, Cholesterol 125 mg, Fat 1 1/2, Fiber 4 g, Protein 43 g, SaturatedFat 13 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 870 mg, Sugar 6 g, TransFat 1 g
SIMPLE STUFFED SHELLS (WITH NO MEAT OPTION)
For nights when you are too tired to fuss much. Adapted from Woman's Day. The cook time includes 20 minutes for cooking the pasta shells - this goes even faster if you already have your shells cooked,& drained in advance. NOTE: You might not need all of the shells in the box - before cooking, lay out the dry shells in your pan first to see how many you will need and only cook that many.
Provided by HeatherFeather
Categories Pasta Shells
Time 1h15m
Yield 10-12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 F and grease a 9x13" casserole; if you have not already done so, prepare pasta shells according to package directions and also brown your sausage, drain & crumble.
- Meanwhile, combine 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese, all of the ricotta (use 2 cups if not using meat or if you like it very cheesey, even if you are using meat, otherwise use just 1 cup), as well as the parsley (reserving a small amount to garnish), egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic, nutmeg and black pepper.
- Pour sauce into the baking dish and then set the unfilled shells on top facing up so that you can fill them.
- Evenly portion out the crumbled sausage, if using, in the bottom of each shell.
- Spoon filling to a large ziptop plastic bag and snip off one corner.
- Pipe about 2 Tbsp filling into the each of the prepared pasta shells, or as much or as little as you prefer.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes or until sauce is bubbling under the foil.
- Remove foil, sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and bake, uncovered, for about 5 minutes or until the cheese melts.
- Serve extra sauce from the pan on the side.
Tips:
- Use a large pot to boil the pasta shells: This will prevent the shells from sticking together and ensure that they cook evenly.
- Don't overcook the pasta shells: They should be al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked shells will be mushy and difficult to stuff.
- Let the pasta shells cool slightly before stuffing them: This will make them easier to handle and prevent the filling from leaking out.
- Use a variety of cheeses in the filling: This will add flavor and richness. Some good options include ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Asiago cheese.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with the filling: You can add cooked meat, vegetables, or herbs to your liking.
- Be careful not to overfill the pasta shells: Too much filling will make them difficult to close and may cause them to burst open while baking.
- Bake the stuffed pasta shells until they are golden brown and bubbly: This will ensure that they are cooked through and that the cheese is melted and gooey.
Conclusion:
Stuffed pasta shells are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or as a party appetizer. With a little planning and preparation, you can easily make this dish at home. So next time you're looking for a satisfying and flavorful meal, give stuffed pasta shells a try. You won't be disappointed!
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