Easy Stuffed Shells: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe with 7 Ingredients

Easy stuffed shells are an amazing dish that will satisfy your cravings and impress your family. This classic Italian-American meal is not only delicious but also extremely versatile. By combining pasta shells with a fantastic filling of cheeses and herbs, you create a delightful dinner that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, these stuffed shells will be a hit!
When prepared properly, easy stuffed shells burst with flavor and offer the comforting embrace of cheesy goodness. If you have never tasted them, you are truly missing out! Each bite features a delightful blend of melted cheese, creamy ricotta, and savory tomato sauce. This dish is a perfect weeknight dinner, as it’s simple to make, requires minimal prep time, and is truly fulfilling.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through why this recipe for easy stuffed shells is a must-have in your cooking repertoire. We’ll cover the preparation and cooking time, the list of ingredients you need, step-by-step instructions, and how to serve them perfectly. By the end, you will be ready to wow your family and friends with this incredible meal that is sure to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are several reasons why easy stuffed shells are bound to become a regular request at your dinner table. Here’s what makes this recipe so special:
1. Simple Ingredients: You won’t need rare ingredients. Most of what you need is easy to find in your kitchen or local store.
2. Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults love cheesy pasta! This dish is sure to satisfy even picky eaters.
3. Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the shells in advance and bake them later, perfect for busy weeknights.
4. Versatile Fillings: The filling can be adjusted according to your preference—feel free to add spinach, ground meat, or different cheeses.
5. Amazing Comfort Food: There’s something deeply satisfying about coming home to a warm plate of stuffed pasta shells.
6. Effortlessly Elegant: This dish looks gourmet, making it great for special occasions or gatherings.
7. Reheats Well: Leftovers taste just as wonderful, making it an ideal option for meal prepping.
These factors make easy stuffed shells not just a meal, but an experience that brings families together.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparing easy stuffed shells is a breeze and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes in total. Here’s a breakdown of the time for each step:
– Preparation Time: 30 minutes
– Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
– Cooling Time: 10-15 minutes
Whether you are new to cooking or have plenty of experience, these times can vary based on your skills and kitchen equipment. However, this guide serves as a reliable estimate.

Ingredients

– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 2 cups ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 egg
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple instructions to create your amazing easy stuffed shells:
1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Stuff Shells: Take each cooked shell and fill it generously with the cheese mixture.
5. Spread Sauce: Pour a little marinara sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells on top, seam side up.
6. Top with Sauce: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Cool: Let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to set.
9. Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
Following these steps will ensure your easy stuffed shells turn out incredible every time!

How to Serve

When it’s time to serve your easy stuffed shells, consider the following tips to elevate the experience:
1. Presentation: Use a vibrant serving dish to showcase the stuffed shells. The beautiful colors of the tomato sauce and melted cheese will look appealing.
2. Garnish: Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a refreshing taste.
3. Side Dishes: Pair with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that is both filling and satisfying.
4. Wine Pairing: A light red wine, such as a Chianti or a Pinot Noir, can perfectly complement the flavors of the dish.
5. Sharing: Serve the stuffed shells family-style, allowing everyone to help themselves. This encourages conversation and warmth among your guests.
By presenting your easy stuffed shells thoughtfully, you can turn this delightful dish into a memorable dining experience for everyone involved!

Additional Tips

– Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh herbs and quality cheeses to enhance the flavor of your easy stuffed shells.
– Salt the Water: Salting the pasta water adds flavor to the shells. Don’t skip this step!
– Add More Veggies: To boost nutrition, consider adding shredded zucchini or finely chopped bell peppers to the cheese mixture.
– Keep it Moist: If you prefer a little more sauce, add an extra layer of marinara sauce between the layers of the stuffed shells.
– Experiment with Spices: Try mixing in some Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick in the filling.

Recipe Variation

Get creative with your easy stuffed shells! Here are a few variations to consider:
1. Spinach and Ricotta: Mix in fresh spinach with the ricotta for a healthier version.
2. Meat Lovers: Add cooked ground beef, turkey, or sausage to the cheese mixture for a protein-packed delight.
3. Pesto Twist: Replace marinara with pesto sauce for a unique, flavorful change.
4. Four-Cheese: Incorporate a blend of mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, and goat cheese for a rich, decadent filling.
5. Vegan Option: Substitute dairy with vegan cheeses and omit the egg to create a plant-based version.

Freezing and Storage

– Storage: Leftover easy stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
– Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked stuffed shells. Just assemble the shells, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from frozen.

Special Equipment

You will need some basic kitchen tools to make your easy stuffed shells:
– Large pot for boiling pasta
– Mixing bowl for the filling
– 9×13 inch baking dish for assembling the shells
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Aluminum foil for covering while baking

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use smaller pasta shells instead?
Yes, you can, but be sure to adjust your cooking times accordingly.
How do I know when the stuffed shells are done?
Look for bubbly, golden cheese on top and make sure the centers are heated through.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta shells to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.
Can I add additional spices?
Yes, feel free to customize the flavor profile according to your taste. Garlic powder or Italian seasoning work well!
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Certainly! You can assemble the shells and store them in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Conclusion

Easy stuffed shells are a delightful dish that combines the comforting flavors of cheesy pasta with the convenience of a simple recipe. Whether you’re serving them to family or friends, they’re sure to please everyone at the table. With versatile filling options and easy preparation, this meal is bound to become a staple in your household!

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