Best 5 Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe Makeover Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary adventure with our tantalizing stuffed pasta shells, a symphony of flavors and textures that will delight your palate. These oversized pasta shells are meticulously filled with a delectable mixture of ricotta, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, then bathed in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. This classic Italian dish is elevated to new heights with the inclusion of three distinct variations: a vegetarian delight, a meat-lover's paradise, and a seafood extravaganza. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving for more.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

STUFFED SHELLS RECIPE



Stuffed Shells Recipe image

Stuffed Shells filled with ricotta, parmesan, and melty mozzarella cheese. Stuffed Pasta Shells always disappear fast and reheat well.

Provided by Natasha Kravchuk

Categories     Easy

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 12

20 jumbo pasta shells (cooked to package instructions)
1/2 medium onion (chopped)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1 tsp salt (divided)
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (divided)
1/4 tsp dried oregano
3 cups marinara sauce
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1/3 cup parmesan cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
1/4 cup parsley (plus more to garnish)

Steps:

  • Cook Pasta: Preheat oven to 375˚F. Cook shells in salted water according to package instructions (stirring several times to keep the pasta from sticking to the pot), then drain and fill pot with cold water to stop the cooking process and keep shells from sticking to each other.
  • Make Sauce: In a deep pan over medium-high heat, add 1 Tbsp olive oil and sauté chopped onion until softened and golden (3-5 min). Add minced garlic, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and 1/4 tsp oregano. Sauté another 1 minute stirring constantly until garlic is fragrant. Add 3 cups marinara and bring to a uniform boil then simmer for 2 minutes and pour the sauce into the bottom of a 9x13 casserole dish.
  • Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, add 15 oz ricotta cheese, 2 cups mozzarella, 1/3 cup parmesan, 1 egg, 1/4 cup parsley, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir until well combined.
  • Stuff Shells: Use about 1/2 ice cream scoop or just until filled (do not overstuff). Place them in the casserole over the marinara sauce in a single layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese over the top.
  • Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. The sauce should be bubbling at the edges. Remove foil and broil for 2-4 minutes to lightly brown the cheese. Remove from the oven and garnish with parsley to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 435 kcal, Carbohydrate 32 g, Protein 30 g, Fat 21 g, SaturatedFat 13 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 103 mg, Sodium 1542 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 7 g, ServingSize 1 serving

STUFFED PASTA SHELLS



Stuffed Pasta Shells image

These savory shells never fail to make a big impression, even though the recipe is very easy. One or two of these shells makes a great individual serving at a potluck, so a single batch goes a long way. -Jena Coffey, St. Louis, Missouri

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 45m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 package (12 ounces) jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained
3-1/2 cups spaghetti sauce
Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Combine cheeses and spinach; stuff into shells. Arrange in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Pour spaghetti sauce over the shells. Cover and bake until heated through, about 30 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese after baking.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 314 calories, Fat 13g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 44mg cholesterol, Sodium 576mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 18g protein.

MAKEOVER EASY BEEF-STUFFED SHELLS



Makeover Easy Beef-Stuffed Shells image

Enjoy the convenience of this make-ahead dish or bake right away. Either way, it has half the saturated fat of the original recipe but is just as meaty. -Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h30m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

20 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 large onion, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1-1/4 cups reduced-fat ricotta cheese
1-1/2 cups shredded reduced-fat Italian cheese blend, divided
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup prepared pesto
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Italian diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 ounces) no-salt-added tomato sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions to al dente; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large skillet, cook the beef, onion and green pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup Italian cheese blend, Parmesan cheese, pesto, egg and half of the beef mixture., In a small bowl, combine the tomatoes, tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Spread 3/4 cup into a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Spoon cheese mixture into pasta shells; place in baking dish. Combine remaining beef mixture and tomato mixture; spoon over shells. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover and refrigerate overnight., Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Cover and bake at 350° for 40 minutes. Uncover; bake 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 295 calories, Fat 12g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 70mg cholesterol, Sodium 436mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

STUFFED SHELLS III



Stuffed Shells III image

This recipe is a hit wherever you go. It is a very rich and cheesy meal and looks like a deep-dish pizza when done. I altered what I was originally given because I did not like cottage cheese and added other ingredients that I thought it deserved.

Provided by Renee

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Stuffed Main Dish Recipes

Time 1h30m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (12 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells
2 eggs, beaten
1 (32 ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
8 ounces grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 tablespoon dried parsley
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (28 ounce) jar pasta sauce
8 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  • In a large bowl, mix eggs, ricotta, half the mozzarella, half the Parmesan, parsley, salt and pepper until well combined. Stuff cooked shells with ricotta mixture and place in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • In a medium bowl, stir together pasta sauce, mushrooms and reserved mozzarella and Parmesan. Pour over stuffed shells.
  • Bake in preheated oven 45 to 60 minutes, until edges are bubbly and shells are slightly set.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 549.7 calories, Carbohydrate 43.7 g, Cholesterol 115.6 mg, Fat 24.5 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 37.7 g, SaturatedFat 13.9 g, Sodium 1544.2 mg, Sugar 9.3 g

STUFFED SHELLS



Stuffed Shells image

Of all the baked pasta dishes, stuffed shells are beloved for good reason: The fluffy ricotta filling, punchy tomato sauce, melted cheese and oversize noodles creates the ultimate comfort food, and the make-ahead aspect is equally compelling. The tomato sauce can be made and refrigerated five days ahead, or you can save time by swapping in three cups of your favorite store-bought marinara sauce. The shells can be assembled a few hours ahead, then baked from the refrigerator an hour before it's time to eat. While some versions add frozen spinach, herbs or lemon, you really don't need anything beyond the basics; this classic version is pure comfort.

Provided by Ali Slagle

Categories     dinner, casseroles, pastas, main course

Time 2h

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
Kosher salt
4 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (28-ounce) can tomato purée
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 pound fresh ricotta (about 2 cups)
10 ounces fresh mozzarella, grated (about 2 1/2 cups)
5 1/2 ounces Parmesan, finely grated (about 2 cups)
2 egg yolks
1 garlic clove
12 ounces jumbo shells

Steps:

  • Make the sauce: In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat the olive oil over medium. Add the onion and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook, stirring frequently, until the paste turns one shade darker, about 2 minutes. Stir in the tomato purée, season with salt, then bring to a simmer. Cover halfway to reduce splattering, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly, 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta with 1 1/2 cups mozzarella, 1 cup Parmesan and the egg yolks. Grate the garlic directly into the bowl, then season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Stir to combine, then set aside.
  • Add the shells to the boiling water and cook until just shy of al dente. (You'll want to cook the shells about 2 minutes less than the minimum time listed on the package, as the shells will continue to cook in the oven in Step 5.) Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool. Count out 24 shells. (You will have cooked off more shells than will fit in the dish; that's insurance in case any rip. Reserve extras for another use.)
  • Stir the pasta water into the sauce, then add half the sauce to a 3-quart/9-by-13-inch baking dish and spread it in an even layer. Spoon about 2 tablespoons filling into each of the 24 shells, lining up the stuffed shells in the dish as you go. Spoon the remaining sauce over the shells, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1 cup Parmesan.
  • Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake, uncovered, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling, 15 to 20 minutes. (If you'd like to brown the cheese, you can broil for a few minutes.) Let sit 5 minutes, then serve.

Tips:

  • Use a variety of cheeses: A blend of cheeses, such as ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella, will give your stuffed pasta shells a rich and flavorful filling.
  • Add some vegetables: Chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms are great additions to the filling. They add nutrients and flavor.
  • Don't overcook the pasta shells: Cook them until they are al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. This will prevent them from becoming mushy.
  • Stuff the pasta shells carefully: Use a small spoon or your fingers to gently stuff the pasta shells with the filling. Be careful not to overstuff them, or they may burst open during cooking.
  • Bake the pasta shells in a flavorful sauce: A simple tomato sauce or a creamy Alfredo sauce are both good options. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs to the sauce for extra flavor.

Conclusion:

Stuffed pasta shells are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. By following these tips, you can make sure that your stuffed pasta shells turn out perfectly every time. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, give this recipe a try!

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