Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe

Baked stuffed shells are a comforting Italian dish that combines tender pasta, creamy cheese filling, and rich tomato sauce for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you're cooking for family, hosting a dinner party, or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen. Follow along with this comprehensive guide to create perfectly baked stuffed shells, avoid common mistakes, and present your dish like a pro. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!

What Are Baked Stuffed Shells?

Baked stuffed shells are large pasta shells filled with a delicious mixture of ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and sometimes herbs or spinach. These stuffed shells are typically arranged in a casserole dish, covered with marinara sauce, and baked to golden perfection. This dish is similar to lasagna or manicotti, offering a cheesy, saucy pasta meal, but with the added charm of bite-sized, stuffed pasta.

Keep reading for a detailed step-by-step guide, tips, and tricks to perfect your baked stuffed shells!

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Ingredients List for Baked Stuffed Shells

Before diving into the recipe, gather all your ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

• Jumbo pasta shells – You’ll need about 20-24 shells, depending on the size of your baking dish.
• Ricotta cheese – The main ingredient for the filling; you’ll need around 15 oz.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese – Use about 2 cups; some will be mixed into the filling, and the rest will top the dish.
• Grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty flavor and extra richness, around ½ cup.
• Egg – Just one egg helps bind the filling together.
• Fresh spinach (optional) – About 2 cups, chopped and cooked down, can be added for a nutritious twist.
• Fresh parsley or basil – Finely chopped herbs for flavor, about ¼ cup.
• Garlic – Minced garlic cloves, around 2-3 cloves, add a nice kick.
• Marinara sauce – A jar of marinara sauce or about 3 cups of homemade sauce.
• Olive oil – A drizzle to sauté the garlic and spinach, if you're using it.
• Salt and pepper – To taste.

Additional Ingredients for Extra Flavor

For a deeper flavor or to switch things up, consider adding these ingredients:

• Italian sausage or ground beef – For a meaty variation, cook about 1 lb of Italian sausage or ground beef, and mix it into the marinara sauce.
• Red pepper flakes – Adds a subtle heat to the dish; sprinkle a pinch into the sauce or the filling.
• Nutmeg – A small pinch of nutmeg adds warmth to the ricotta mixture.
• Pecorino Romano – Swap out some of the Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier flavor.

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Substitutions and Variations

This classic recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:

1. Cheese Variations: Swap out ricotta for cottage cheese for a lighter filling, or add cream cheese for a richer, creamier consistency.
2. Meaty Version: Add cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or even shredded rotisserie chicken to the cheese mixture for a heartier, protein-packed dish.
3. Vegetarian Add-ins: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions into the filling for extra texture and flavor.
4. Sauce Options: Instead of traditional marinara, try Alfredo sauce for a creamy version of baked stuffed shells. A pink sauce (a mix of marinara and Alfredo) also works beautifully.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get into the process of making baked stuffed shells. Follow these detailed steps to ensure everything comes out perfectly:

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.

2. Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook them until they are al dente, following the package instructions (about 9-10 minutes). You want the shells to be slightly firm since they will finish cooking in the oven.

3. Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley (or basil), salt, and pepper. If using spinach, sauté it in a bit of olive oil with garlic until wilted, then mix it into the filling.

4. Stuff the Shells

Drain the cooked pasta shells and let them cool slightly. Using a spoon, carefully stuff each shell with about 1-2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture. Be sure not to overstuff, as the filling will expand a little during baking.

5. Assemble the Dish

In a large casserole or baking dish, spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish, open side up. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the shells, making sure they are well-covered.

6. Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the shells. If you like, you can also add a little extra Parmesan for extra cheesiness and a crispier top.

7. Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil in the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow the cheese on top to become bubbly and golden.

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

Cooking baked stuffed shells is a straightforward process, but here are a few extra tips to make sure your dish turns out perfectly every time:

1. Don't Overcook the Shells: It's crucial to cook your pasta al dente so they don’t become too soft and fall apart while baking.
2. Layer Your Sauce: Be generous with the marinara sauce both on the bottom and the top to ensure the shells stay moist and flavorful.
3. Bake Covered First: Baking with foil helps the shells and sauce stay moist. Removing the foil towards the end of baking allows the cheese to crisp up nicely.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

To avoid any missteps, here are some common mistakes people make when cooking baked stuffed shells and how to sidestep them:

• Overstuffing the Shells: If you overfill the shells, the filling may spill out during baking. Stick to 1-2 tablespoons of filling per shell.
• Using Dry Pasta: Make sure your pasta is adequately coated in sauce, as exposed shells can dry out while baking.
• Skipping the Foil: Always cover your dish with foil during the first part of baking to prevent the pasta from drying out and the cheese from burning.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Baked stuffed shells are a hearty dish, but with the right sides and presentation, they can feel elegant enough for any occasion. Here are some serving and presentation ideas:

How to Serve Baked Stuffed Shells

• Serve your baked stuffed shells with a side of garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for a complete meal.
• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will add freshness and balance the richness of the dish.
• Consider pairing with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or a light Merlot, to complement the robust flavors of the marinara sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Baked Stuffed Shells

• Garnish the dish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color.
• Serve individual portions in small ramekins for a more upscale, restaurant-style presentation.
• Use a colorful, rustic ceramic baking dish for a homestyle feel, or a sleek white casserole dish for a modern look.

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Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe Tips

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your stuffed shells come out perfectly every time:

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the dish the night before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it goes in the oven cold.
• Freezing: Baked stuffed shells freeze wonderfully. Prepare and stuff the shells, then freeze them before baking. When ready to bake, add sauce, cover with foil, and bake from frozen, adding about 30 minutes to the bake time.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta? Yes, you can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta in this recipe. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

How can I prevent the shells from breaking while boiling? Be sure to cook the pasta in plenty of salted water and stir occasionally to prevent the shells from sticking together. Also, don’t overcook them, as they will continue to cook in the oven.

Can I add meat to the filling? Absolutely! Ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken can be mixed into the cheese filling or added to the marinara sauce.

What’s the best way to freeze baked stuffed shells? To freeze, assemble the shells without baking them. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen by adding an extra 30 minutes to the baking time.

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Conclusion

Baked stuffed shells are a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With this step-by-step guide, you can easily master this Italian classic and customize it to your liking. Whether you stick to the classic cheese filling or experiment with different variations, this dish will always turn out delicious. Happy cooking, and enjoy your baked stuffed shells!

Now that you know how to make this tasty dish, grab your ingredients and start cooking today!

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