Description
Comfort meets Italian cuisine in these delightful baked stuffed shells packed with creamy ricotta and herbs. Melted cheese and rich marinara sauce create a perfect harmony that brings families together around the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheeses:
- 15 ounces (425 grams) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups (226 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) parmesan cheese, grated
Main Ingredients:
- 1 package jumbo pasta shells
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) marinara sauce
Seasonings and Extras:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional for drizzling)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a moderate temperature, preparing the cooking vessel for the delicate pasta creation.
- Immerse large pasta shells in boiling water, allowing them to achieve a tender yet firm consistency. Carefully extract and set aside to cool slightly.
- Craft a rich, creamy filling by blending soft ricotta with shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, a whisked egg, finely chopped parsley, and a delicate balance of seasoning.
- Create a luscious foundation by spreading a thin veil of vibrant marinara sauce across the bottom of a ceramic baking dish.
- Generously stuff each translucent pasta shell with the velvety cheese mixture, nestling them closely together in the prepared dish.
- Lavish the stuffed shells with a generous cascade of remaining marinara sauce, then crown with an additional layer of mozzarella and Parmesan for a golden, crispy finish.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil, allowing the shells to bake and meld their flavors. Midway through cooking, remove the protective covering to encourage a beautiful, slightly caramelized surface.
- Remove from the oven and permit the dish to rest momentarily, allowing the intense flavors to settle before serving this comforting Italian-inspired meal.
Notes
- Ensure shells are cooked al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking, maintaining a perfect texture.
- For a protein boost, mix ground beef, chicken, or turkey into the cheese filling for a heartier version of the dish.
- Create a gluten-free alternative by using gluten-free pasta shells and checking that marinara sauce is gluten-free certified.
- Prep shells ahead of time by cooking and stuffing them a day before, then refrigerate and bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg