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Introduction

Stuffed shells are more than just a meal; they are a delightful experience that brings comfort and joy to the dinner table. Picture this: large, tender pasta shells cradling a creamy filling of ricotta and spinach, all draped in rich marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese. This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a celebration of flavors that resonates with the warmth of homemade cooking.

For young professionals who love homemade food yet find themselves pressed for time, stuffed shells strike the perfect balance between convenience and taste. With a preparation time of just 20 minutes and a total cooking time of 35 minutes, this dish allows you to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or when entertaining friends on the weekend.

But what truly makes stuffed shells special is their versatility. Whether you’re craving a classic Italian meal or looking to impress guests with a comforting dish, stuffed shells can be easily adapted to suit various tastes. You can even prepare them in advance and freeze them, saving time and effort for another day. So why not indulge in this delicious, filling pasta dish that has become a beloved staple in many households? Dive into this recipe and discover just how satisfying stuffed shells can be!

Key Ingredients

Jumbo Pasta Shells

12 large jumbo pasta shells: These large pasta shells serve as the perfect vessel for holding the savory filling, providing a satisfying bite that complements the other ingredients.

Ricotta Cheese

15 ounces ricotta cheese: This creamy cheese adds richness and moisture to the filling, making it a key component in achieving that luxurious texture.

Mozzarella Cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Known for its meltiness, mozzarella enhances the dish with a gooey, cheesy topping that pulls apart beautifully when served.

Parmesan Cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This hard cheese contributes a sharp, nutty flavor to the filling, elevating the overall taste profile of the stuffed shells.

Cooked Spinach

1 cup cooked spinach, chopped: Packed with nutrients, spinach adds not only color but also a fresh flavor and healthy element to the dish.

Egg

1 egg: The egg acts as a binder in the filling, helping to keep the mixture cohesive and easy to stuff into the shells.

Marinara Sauce

2 cups marinara sauce: This tangy sauce forms a flavorful base for the stuffed shells, adding moisture and a burst of tomato flavor that ties the dish together.

Dried Oregano

1 teaspoon dried oregano: This herb infuses the filling with an aromatic essence, enhancing the Italian flavor profile of the dish.

Garlic Powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder brings a subtle depth of flavor, rounding out the taste experience and making it more robust.

Salt and Pepper

Salt and pepper to taste: These essential seasonings help to elevate the flavors of all the ingredients, ensuring a well-balanced dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stuffed shells are the epitome of comfort food, combining simplicity with a taste that feels indulgent. This dish is not only visually appealing but also incredibly satisfying, making it a favorite for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With a creamy filling of ricotta and spinach, topped with tangy marinara and gooey cheese, every bite is a delight.

For young professionals who are short on time yet crave homemade flavors, this recipe is a game-changer. It requires just 20 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of baking, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet meal without the fuss. Plus, you can make a batch ahead of time and freeze them, ensuring you have a delicious dinner ready to go when you need it.

What’s more, stuffed shells offer a wonderful opportunity to get creative. You can adapt the filling or sauces to suit your preferences, whether you want to add more vegetables, switch up the cheeses, or even spice things up with red pepper flakes. This versatility not only keeps things interesting but also caters to a variety of dietary needs, making it a dish everyone can enjoy.

Variations

Stuffed shells are wonderfully versatile, allowing you to customize the filling and sauces to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. One popular variation includes adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the ricotta mixture for an extra burst of flavor. If you’re looking to incorporate more vegetables, consider adding finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the filling for added nutrition and texture.

For those who enjoy a bit of spice, a dash of red pepper flakes can elevate your stuffed shells to a new level of excitement. Alternatively, switch up the marinara sauce for a creamy Alfredo or pesto sauce for a different flavor profile entirely. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or feta, for a unique twist.

These variations not only enhance the flavor but also cater to various dietary needs. Whether you’re a vegetarian, gluten-free, or simply looking for ways to get creative in the kitchen, stuffed shells can easily adapt to fit your culinary desires. With so many possibilities, you’ll never get bored of this classic dish!

Cooking Tips and Notes

When making stuffed shells, a few simple tips can elevate your dish from good to great. First, ensure your pasta shells are cooked al dente, as they will soften further during baking. This helps maintain their structure and prevents them from falling apart when stuffed.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or garlic to your cheese filling. A dash of nutmeg can also complement the ricotta beautifully, creating a more complex flavor profile. Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust seasoning as you mix the filling, ensuring that every element shines through.

If you’re preparing this dish in advance, you can assemble the stuffed shells and freeze them before baking. Just remember to extend the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes when baking from frozen. This makes it easy to enjoy a homemade meal on a busy weeknight!

Lastly, serve your stuffed shells with a side salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal. The combination of flavors and textures will make for a satisfying dinner that everyone will love.

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed shells are a delightful main course that pairs well with various sides to create a complete meal. For a fresh contrast, consider serving them with a simple arugula salad, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. The peppery greens will balance the rich flavors of the stuffed shells perfectly.

Another fantastic option is garlic bread, which adds a crunchy texture and a burst of flavor. You can also serve the shells with roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus, providing a colorful and nutritious accompaniment. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top can enhance both the flavor and presentation.

For those who enjoy a heartier meal, consider serving the stuffed shells alongside a light soup, like minestrone or a classic tomato basil soup. This combination not only warms you up but also adds a comforting touch to your dining experience. No matter how you choose to serve them, stuffed shells are sure to be a hit at your table!

Time Breakdown

Understanding the time involved in preparing stuffed shells can help you manage your cooking efficiently. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Preparation

Prepare the ingredients and assemble the filling in about 20 minutes. This includes cooking the jumbo pasta shells and mixing the cheese and spinach filling.

Cooking/Baking

Once assembled, bake the stuffed shells for approximately 35 minutes. This includes both covered and uncovered baking time, ensuring the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Total

In total, you’ll spend about 55 minutes from start to finish. To save time, consider preparing the stuffed shells ahead of time and storing them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

Nutritional Facts

Stuffed shells are not only delicious but also provide a balanced nutritional profile. Each serving, which consists of two stuffed shells, contains approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying option for a main course. With 15 grams of protein, this dish helps support muscle health while providing a generous amount of calcium from the cheese.

In addition, you’ll find 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving, offering energy for your daily activities. The dish also contains 18 grams of fat, including healthy unsaturated fats, which are beneficial in moderation. For those watching their sodium intake, each serving has 800 milligrams of sodium, so it’s wise to enjoy these stuffed shells as part of a balanced diet. With 3 grams of fiber, they contribute to your daily intake, promoting digestive health.

FAQ based on “People Also Ask” Section

What are stuffed shells?

Stuffed shells are a delightful Italian pasta dish featuring large, tubular pasta shells filled with a savory mixture, typically made from ricotta cheese, spinach, and various seasonings. They are often topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, making them a comforting and filling meal.

Can you make stuffed shells ahead of time?

Absolutely! Stuffed shells can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. If freezing, assemble the dish without baking it, then cover it tightly. When ready to eat, simply bake them from frozen, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

What can I serve with stuffed shells?

Stuffed shells pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A light tomato basil soup can also complement the meal, providing a warm and hearty dining experience.

How do you store leftover stuffed shells?

To store leftover stuffed shells, allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Can stuffed shells be made vegetarian?

Yes, stuffed shells are inherently vegetarian due to the use of cheese and spinach in the filling. You can also customize the filling with other vegetables or use different types of cheese to suit your dietary preferences.

Conclusion

Stuffed shells are a delightful and filling pasta dish that brings the warmth of homemade cooking to your table. With their rich ricotta and spinach filling, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, they offer a satisfying blend of flavors that is sure to please everyone.

Not only are stuffed shells delicious, but they are also versatile and can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. By customizing the filling or sauce, you can cater to different tastes, ensuring that this dish remains a favorite in your household.

So why not gather your ingredients and treat yourself to this comforting meal? Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying it solo, stuffed shells are a wonderful way to connect with the joy of homemade food. Cook, save, share, and savor every bite!

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