Irresistible Cheesy Stuffed Shells Recipe for Comfort Food

Imagine a plate overflowing with cheesy stuffed shells, each one a delicious treasure waiting to be discovered. They are golden and bubbling, oozing with rich cheese that melts in your mouth and dances on your taste buds. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that wraps you in comfort like your favorite blanket on a chilly evening.

Now picture the laughter around the dinner table as everyone digs in, savoring each bite. It’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights when you crave something heartwarming. The anticipation builds as the aroma fills your kitchen, promising delightful flavors and memories that linger long after the plates are cleared.

Sharing cheesy stuffed shells with my friends once turned an ordinary dinner into an unforgettable night filled with laughter and seconds (and thirds) of good food.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Large Pasta Shells: Use jumbo shells for maximum filling capacity; they hold the cheese like a comforting hug.

• Ricotta Cheese: Opt for whole milk ricotta for creaminess; it adds a rich texture that’s simply irresistible.

• Shredded Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella brings gooey goodness; sprinkle generously for that classic melty effect.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh parmesan to enhance flavor; it adds depth to the dish without overpowering.

• Fresh Spinach: Incorporate spinach for vibrant color and nutrition; it wilts beautifully into the cheesy mix.

• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade; its tangy flavor complements the richness of the cheese.

• Garlic Powder: Sprinkle garlic powder for added flavor; it enhances every bite without overwhelming other tastes.

• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs elevates the filling’s flavor profile; use fresh herbs if you have them!

• Olive Oil: Drizzle olive oil over the pasta before baking; it helps prevent sticking while adding richness.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to taste; don’t skip these—they bring all flavors together beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Prep Your Pasta Shells: Start by boiling water in a large pot and add salt before cooking jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain carefully to prevent tearing.

Create Your Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, chopped fresh spinach, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well-blended and creamy.

Stuff Those Shells: Fill each cooked shell generously with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag for ease. Don’t be shy—pack them full!

Add Marinara Sauce: Spread half of your marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a baking dish. Place filled shells upright in the dish and pour remaining sauce over top.

Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle additional mozzarella on top, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly.

Enjoy the moment as you pull out that bubbling dish from the oven—the aroma will be heavenly! Let the cheesy stuffed shells rest for about five minutes before serving so they won’t spill out all their cheesy goodness upon cutting.

Content

Tip one: Use a mix of cheeses for richer flavor and creaminess, blending mozzarella and ricotta elevates taste. I once tried just mozzarella, and let’s just say it was a cheesy flop.

Tip two: Cook the pasta al dente; this prevents shells from falling apart when stuffed. Trust me, overcooked shells become a gooey mess that even the dog wouldn’t want.

Tip three: Let the dish rest after baking; this enhances flavors and makes serving easier. I learned this the hard way when I dove right in—let’s just say my friends got a messy first bite.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta shells while preparing the cheese filling. Assemble and bake, allowing for an efficient workflow that yields perfect cheesy stuffed shells.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your cheesy stuffed shells with sautéed vegetables or cooked meats. Adding spinach or ground turkey can provide personal flair and pack in nutrients while maintaining that cheesy goodness.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, cover with foil to keep them moist, baking at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Cooking these cheesy stuffed shells always reminds me of family gatherings where laughter mixed with the aroma of baked cheese filled the air. Friends would often ask for seconds (or thirds!), which warmed my heart.

FAQ

Can I freeze cheesy stuffed shells?

Yes, you can freeze them before or after baking for easy future meals.

What sauce goes well with cheesy stuffed shells?

A simple marinara or Alfredo sauce perfectly complements the richness of the dish.

How do I make these cheesy stuffed shells vegetarian?

Substitute meat with vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option.

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Cheesy Stuffed Shells

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Indulge in the comforting delight of cheesy stuffed shells, a dish that combines large pasta shells filled with a rich, creamy cheese mixture and topped with marinara sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings, these shells are customizable, making them an ideal choice for everyone. With a golden, bubbling exterior and a delicious interior, each bite is a warm hug on your taste buds.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 large pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil salted water and cook pasta shells until al dente; drain.
2. In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until creamy.
3. Fill each shell with the cheese mixture. Spread half of the marinara on the bottom of a baking dish.
4. Arrange filled shells upright in the dish and pour remaining sauce over them.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle extra mozzarella on top, and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until bubbly.
6. Allow to cool for five minutes before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 stuffed shells (approx. 300g)
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 62g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Experiment with different cheeses like Gouda or add vegetables like zucchini for variety. Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to maintain moisture.