Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe

If you're craving a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions, look no further than this Baked Stuffed Shells recipe. With jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese mixture, and baked in a rich marinara sauce until golden and bubbly, this Italian-inspired dish is guaranteed to be a hit at your dinner table. Plus, it’s easy to prepare ahead, making it an excellent option for meal prepping or hosting guests. Read on for the full recipe, helpful tips, and substitutions to make your Baked Stuffed Shells perfect every time!

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What Are Baked Stuffed Shells?

Baked Stuffed Shells are jumbo pasta shells that are boiled until al dente, then filled with a creamy cheese mixture (typically ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan) and baked in a rich tomato or marinara sauce. This dish is similar to lasagna or manicotti, but the individual stuffed shells offer a unique presentation and are perfect for portioning. The end result is a comforting, cheesy, baked pasta dish that’s perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients List for Baked Stuffed Shells

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious and comforting Baked Stuffed Shells:

• 20-25 jumbo pasta shells (about half a 12 oz box)
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade marinara sauce)
• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg (lightly beaten)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

These ingredients are easy to find and simple to work with, making this a perfect dish for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

Substitutions and Variations

This Baked Stuffed Shells recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to make it your own with these substitution and variation ideas:

• Cheese options: Ricotta is classic, but you can use cottage cheese or a mix of ricotta and mascarpone for a creamier filling. You can also swap out the mozzarella for provolone or use a blend of Italian cheeses.
• Add spinach: For a healthier version, add about 1 cup of cooked, drained, and chopped spinach to the cheese mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Meaty version: Add cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or ground turkey to the filling for a heartier dish.
• Dairy-free version: Use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella to make the dish vegan or dairy-free.
• Sauce options: While marinara is traditional, you can use a creamy Alfredo sauce or a pink sauce (a mix of marinara and cream) for a different flavor.

These substitutions and variations allow you to customize the dish based on your preferences or dietary needs.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through the step-by-step process to make this delicious Baked Stuffed Shells recipe:

Step 1: Cook the Jumbo Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually 9-10 minutes). Drain the shells and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined. If you're adding spinach, fold it into the cheese mixture at this stage.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or olive oil. Pour about 1 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of the baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each cooked shell with the cheese mixture. You’ll want to stuff each shell generously, but not so much that they split. Place each stuffed shell in the prepared baking dish, open side up, in a single layer.

Step 5: Add the Sauce and Cheese

Once all the shells are stuffed and arranged in the baking dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top of the shells. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the top.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley, and serve hot. Enjoy!

How to Cook Baked Stuffed Shells: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick overview of the process for making Baked Stuffed Shells:

1. Cook the pasta shells until al dente and set aside.
2. Prepare the cheese filling by mixing ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, and seasonings.
3. Preheat the oven to 375°F and spread marinara sauce in a greased baking dish.
4. Stuff the shells with the cheese filling and arrange them in the dish.
5. Add sauce and cheese: Pour marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with mozzarella.
6. Bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncovered for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
7. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Baked Stuffed Shells:

• Overcooking the pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta shells just until al dente. They’ll continue cooking in the oven, and you don’t want them to become too soft or mushy.
• Not seasoning the filling: Make sure to taste the ricotta filling before stuffing the shells. Proper seasoning is key to a flavorful dish.
• Drying out the casserole: Be sure to cover the casserole with foil for the first part of baking to keep the shells moist. Removing the foil at the end helps the cheese become bubbly and golden without over-drying the pasta.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Although Baked Stuffed Shells is a rustic, comforting dish, you can still serve it beautifully.

How to Serve Baked Stuffed Shells

Serve this casserole hot, straight from the oven. Pair it with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even special occasions.

Presentation Ideas for Baked Stuffed Shells

• Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve in portions: Plate 3-4 shells per person for individual servings, or serve family-style directly from the baking dish.
• Add sides: Pair the dish with a vibrant salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe Tips

Here are a few helpful tips to ensure your Baked Stuffed Shells turn out perfectly every time:

• Make it ahead: You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. If baking straight from the fridge, add an extra 10 minutes to the bake time.
• Freeze for later: This casserole freezes well! Assemble the dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
• Customize the filling: You can add cooked sausage, spinach, or mushrooms to the cheese mixture for extra flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for ricotta. You may want to blend the cottage cheese in a food processor to make it smoother before using it in the filling.

2. Can I make Baked Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.

3. Can I freeze Baked Stuffed Shells?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before baking.

4. How long does Baked Stuffed Shells last in the fridge?
Baked Stuffed Shells will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.

5. How do I reheat Baked Stuffed Shells?
You can reheat individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil.

Conclusion

This Baked Stuffed Shells recipe is a cheesy, comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners, holidays, or any special occasion. With its tender pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta mixture and baked in a rich marinara sauce, it’s a meal that’s sure to satisfy. The best part? It’s easy to customize, make ahead, or freeze for later. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, you’ll love how easy and delicious this dish is.

So, gather your ingredients and enjoy a warm, comforting meal of Baked Stuffed Shells tonight!

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