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Hey there, pasta lovers! If you’re in the mood for something hearty and comforting, these stuffed shells are the perfect dish to make. Think tender jumbo shells filled with a creamy ricotta mixture, all smothered in marinara sauce, topped with gooey melted mozzarella, and baked to perfection. It’s like a hug in a baking dish! Whether you’re making this for dinner or serving it at a family gathering, it’s sure to be a hit.
Method
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures your oven is ready to bake the stuffed shells to perfection, with a golden-brown crust on the mozzarella.
Cook the Pasta Shells
Boil a large pot of water and cook the jumbo shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente, which means firm but tender. This will keep them from getting mushy once they’re baked. Once the shells are cooked, drain them carefully in a colander and set them aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
While the pasta shells are cooling, take a medium-sized bowl and combine the ricotta cheese, grated parmesan cheese, fresh basil, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together until it forms a smooth mixture. This cheesy, flavorful filling will be the heart of your stuffed shells, giving them that delicious creamy texture.
Layer the Marinara Sauce
Next, spread a generous amount of marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will be the base that the stuffed shells rest on, soaking up all that savory goodness as they bake.
Stuff the Pasta Shells
Now, take each cooked pasta shell and carefully fill it with the ricotta mixture. Be gentle but make sure each shell is filled well. Once filled, place the shells in the prepared baking dish, making sure they’re snugly lined up on top of the marinara sauce. This creates a nice layering effect, with the pasta absorbing the sauce and the cheese bubbling up on top.
Top with Mozzarella and Olive Oil
Once all the shells are in the dish, top each shell with a slice or sprinkle of fresh mozzarella. This layer of cheese will melt and become perfectly gooey and golden as it bakes. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the top of the shells to add a little extra richness and help the cheese brown beautifully.
Bake the Stuffed Shells
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on the shells once the mozzarella is melted and golden brown, you’ll know they’re ready to come out of the oven. The smell will be irresistible, too!
Garnish and Serve
Once the stuffed shells are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Garnish with extra fresh basil to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. Now, serve up these cheesy, saucy stuffed shells and enjoy! They’re perfect for a cozy dinner or sharing with friends and family.
Necessary Tools
- 9×13 baking dish
- Medium bowl
- Spoon for mixing
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining pasta
- Knife or cheese grater for mozzarella
- Drizzle bottle or spoon for olive oil
Stuffed Shells
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: EasyServings
4
servingsPrep time
10
minutesCooking time
25
minutesTotal time
35
minutesIngredients
2 cups of marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
16 to 18 jumbo shells
2 cups ricotta cheese
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped + more for garnish
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
16oz log of fresh mozzarella, sliced or grated
Olive oil, for drizzling
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Cook the jumbo shells according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Once cooked, drain the shells and set them aside to cool.
- While the shells are cooling, grab a medium bowl and combine the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, fresh basil, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir until everything is mixed well and smooth. Spread marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
- Carefully fill each shell with the ricotta mixture, then place them in the baking dish, lining them up neatly over the sauce. Top each stuffed shell with slices or shreds of mozzarella, then drizzle a little olive oil over everything.
- Pop the dish into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and golden brown. Once done, garnish with extra fresh basil for a burst of color and fresh flavor! Serve up these cheesy, saucy shells and enjoy!
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the shells. They should be al dente before baking, or they’ll become mushy when baked in the sauce.
- When filling the shells, don’t overstuff them. A heaping spoonful of ricotta mixture per shell should do the trick, but if you pack them too tight, they may burst open during baking.
- Make sure to keep an eye on the mozzarella as it bakes. Every oven is different, so check the shells after 15 minutes to make sure the cheese doesn’t burn.
Serving Suggestions
Stuffed shells are perfect on their own, but you can always pair them with a side salad or some garlic bread for the ultimate Italian dinner experience. For a fun twist, try serving them with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat!
Fun Fact
Did you know that jumbo pasta shells were originally created to hold rich, creamy fillings, just like these stuffed shells? In Italy, they’re often filled with everything from ricotta to meats and vegetables. They make the perfect pocket for all sorts of deliciousness!
Conclusion
There’s just something so comforting about stuffed shells, right? They’re warm, cheesy, and always hit the spot. This recipe is a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy an Italian classic. With gooey cheese, savory marinara, and the added freshness of basil, these stuffed shells are bound to be a crowd-pleaser at your next dinner. So, grab those jumbo shells and get ready for a cheesy, delicious time! Enjoy!
