Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe

Looking for a comforting Italian dish that’s not only easy to make but also delicious and satisfying? Look no further than Baked Stuffed Shells! This classic pasta dish features large pasta shells stuffed with a rich and cheesy filling, topped with marinara sauce and more cheese, then baked to perfection. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner, a potluck, or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Read on for step-by-step instructions, ingredient substitutions, variations, and tips to help you create the perfect dish!

this Recipe

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What are Baked Stuffed Shells?

Baked Stuffed Shells is an Italian-inspired pasta dish where large pasta shells are cooked until tender, then stuffed with a delicious filling, usually made from a combination of ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, along with herbs and sometimes meat or spinach. The stuffed shells are arranged in a baking dish, topped with marinara sauce, and baked until bubbly and golden. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing meal that's perfect for feeding a family or entertaining guests.

Let’s get started by going over the ingredients and the step-by-step process to make this comforting dish!

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Ingredients List for Baked Stuffed Shells

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Baked Stuffed Shells:

1. 1 box (12 oz) jumbo pasta shells
2. 2 cups ricotta cheese
3. 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
4. 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
5. 2 large eggs
6. 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
7. 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
8. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
9. 1 teaspoon onion powder
10. 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
11. Salt and pepper, to taste
12. Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 cup cooked spinach, chopped (optional, for a spinach-ricotta filling)
• 1 cup cooked ground beef or sausage (optional, for a meaty version)
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs, for extra texture on top (optional)

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Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of Baked Stuffed Shells is its versatility. You can modify the recipe based on your dietary preferences, what you have on hand, or simply to switch things up. Here are a few substitution and variation ideas:

• Cheese: Swap out ricotta for cottage cheese or use a mix of ricotta and cream cheese for a creamier filling. You can also experiment with other cheeses like fontina or provolone.
• Marinara Sauce: Use a homemade marinara sauce for a fresh, rich flavor, or substitute with a vodka sauce or even Alfredo sauce for a creamier version.
• Protein Additions: Add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or even shredded rotisserie chicken to the filling to make the dish heartier.
• Vegetarian Option: Keep it meatless by adding cooked spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the filling.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells if you need a gluten-free alternative.
• Low-Carb Option: If you’re looking to reduce carbs, try stuffing zucchini boats or large portobello mushrooms instead of pasta shells.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how you can easily make Baked Stuffed Shells at home. This recipe is broken down into simple steps that will guide you through the cooking process from start to finish.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook them according to the package instructions, usually around 9-10 minutes, until they’re al dente.
• Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the shells aside on a baking sheet or plate so they don’t stick together.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling

• In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, ½ cup of Parmesan, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Mix everything together until smooth and well-combined. If you're adding spinach or cooked ground meat, fold them into the mixture at this point.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

• Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta mixture. Fill the shells generously, but be careful not to overstuff them, as they may tear.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

• Spread about ½ cup of the marinara sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
• Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish, open side up, in a single layer.
• Once all the shells are arranged, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, covering the shells evenly.

Step 6: Top with Cheese

• Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the marinara sauce-covered shells. If you like a crunchy texture, you can sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top as well.

Step 7: Bake

• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

• Once the shells are out of the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves or parsley if desired. Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is straightforward, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcooking the pasta shells: Make sure the pasta is cooked al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and fall apart.
• Not draining the pasta shells properly: Rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and keep the shells from sticking together.
• Overstuffing the shells: Be careful not to overstuff the pasta shells, as this can cause them to break. Aim for about 1-2 tablespoons of filling per shell.
• Dry shells: Be sure to cover the shells with enough sauce so they don’t dry out in the oven. You can even add a little extra sauce if you prefer a saucier dish.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Baked Stuffed Shells is not only delicious but also looks impressive when served. Here are a few tips for serving and presenting the dish beautifully:

How to Serve Baked Stuffed Shells

• Family-Style: Serve directly from the baking dish. Place the dish in the center of the table and let everyone help themselves to these cheesy, saucy shells.
• Individual Plates: For a more formal presentation, use a large spoon to serve 3-4 shells per plate. Drizzle extra sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh basil leaves or parsley.

Presentation Ideas for Baked Stuffed Shells

• Cheesy Top: For an extra cheesy and visually appealing dish, sprinkle extra mozzarella on top before baking and broil the last couple of minutes for a bubbly, golden crust.
• Herb Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley not only adds color but also enhances the flavor.
• Serve with Sides: Pair your stuffed shells with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

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Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and bake when you're ready.
• Freezing: To freeze, assemble the stuffed shells but don’t bake them. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• Reheating: Leftover baked stuffed shells can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Baked Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the shells, cover them, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked shells for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
A: Yes, cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for ricotta, though the texture will be slightly different. Blend the cottage cheese in a food processor for a smoother consistency.

Q: How do I prevent the shells from drying out?
A: Be sure to cover the stuffed shells with enough marinara sauce and cheese to keep them moist while baking. You can also cover the dish with foil for the first half of the baking time.

Q: Can I add meat to the filling?
A: Absolutely! Adding cooked ground beef, sausage, or even shredded chicken to the ricotta filling will make the dish heartier and add extra flavor.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free jumbo pasta shells.

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Conclusion

Baked Stuffed Shells is a classic Italian dish that combines cheesy goodness with the comforting flavors of pasta and marinara sauce. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can create a meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any special occasion. The recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize it with different cheeses, meats, or vegetables to suit your preferences. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite!

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