Delicious Recipe for Stuffed Pasta Shells

Table of Contents

Introduction: Recipe for Stuffed Pasta Shells

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with these delectable stuffed shells. This dish perfectly balances chewy pasta with a rich, creamy ricotta filling, complemented by tangy marinara sauce. Discover the irresistible allure of seconds – these stuffed shells are a true culinary delight!

Easy Stuffed Shells Recipe for Every Occasion:

This stuffed shells recipe is not only easy to prepare but also suitable for advance preparation. It’s an excellent addition to your dinner party or gathering menu, promising a classic and comforting flavor that’s sure to impress your guests.

Stuffed Shells Recipe Ingredients:

Crafting this mouthwatering dish requires only around 10 basic ingredients, which can be divided into three categories:

The Shells: Opt for jumbo pasta shells as the base for this recipe.
Tomato Sauce: You can either choose your favorite store-bought brand, such as Rao’s, or opt for a homemade marinara sauce for an authentic touch.
Ricotta Filling: Create a delightful mixture of ricotta cheese and steamed, chopped fresh spinach. Enhance the flavors by adding dried oregano, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, garlic, and grated pecorino cheese.

Creating Culinary Magic:

Crafting stuffed pasta shells is both a culinary journey and an art. Begin by gently steaming the spinach until it’s tender and vibrant. Drain any excess moisture, then coarsely chop the spinach. The ricotta filling is then born from the fusion of these vibrant greens with the medley of seasonings, resulting in a symphony of flavors.

Boil the pasta until it’s slightly undercooked, as it will continue to cook while baking. Carefully stuff each shell with the ricotta mixture, ensuring an even distribution. Place these little parcels of deliciousness in a baking dish, nestled on a bed of marinara sauce, and cover with foil. As they bake, the flavors meld together, creating a dish that tantalizes both the eyes and the palate.

Instructions for Crafting Stuffed Shells:

Preparing stuffed shells is a delightful process that combines flavors and textures effortlessly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this dish:

Steam the Spinach: Begin by steaming the spinach until tender and vibrant green. Once done, strain and remove excess moisture, then chop roughly.
Create the Filling: Combine the chopped spinach with ricotta, grated pecorino cheese, garlic, lemon zest, oregano, and red pepper flakes. This filling is the heart of the dish.
Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta until it’s just slightly undercooked. It will finish cooking in the oven.
Stuff the Shells: Using a small spoon, fill each shell with the ricotta mixture. Aim for around 18-20 stuffed shells, distributing the filling evenly.
Assemble and Bake: Spread 2 cups of marinara sauce at the base of a 9×13 baking dish. Place the stuffed shells in the dish, cover with foil, and bake at 425°F for 20 minutes.

For those planning ahead, the recipe can be prepared in advance. Simply arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. When ready to serve, bake and enjoy. Refer to the recipe notes for freezing instructions.

How To make: Recipe for Stuffed Pasta Shells

Credit : Preppy Kitchen

Serving Suggestions for Stuffed Shells:

Elevate your stuffed shells experience with these serving suggestions. Before serving, sprinkle more pecorino (or Parmesan) cheese and fresh parsley on top. Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side, allowing guests to enjoy each bite fully. Pair this dish with a crisp green salad and artisanal bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Consider options like Homemade Caesar Salad, Arugula Salad, Beet Salad, or a Simple Green Salad. Complement the dish with crusty bread or flavorful options like rosemary focaccia, garlic knots, or dinner rolls.

Conclusion:

With its delightful blend of flavors and textures, this stuffed shells recipe promises a satisfying and memorable dining experience. Whether for a gathering or a cozy dinner at home, these stuffed shells are sure to become a culinary favorite. Recipe for Stuffed Pasta Shells

FAQs on “Recipe for Stuffed Pasta Shells”

1. What are stuffed pasta shells?

Stuffed pasta shells are a mouthwatering dish where large pasta shells are filled with a delightful mixture, often including ricotta cheese, herbs, and sometimes vegetables. These stuffed shells are then baked until the pasta is tender and the filling is creamy and flavorful.

2. What kind of pasta is used for stuffed pasta shells?

Jumbo pasta shells are typically used for stuffed pasta shells. Their size and concave shape provide the perfect vessel for holding the delicious ricotta filling and sauce.

3. Can I use different types of filling for stuffed pasta shells?

Absolutely! While the classic ricotta filling is popular, you can experiment with various fillings. You could try a combination of different cheeses, herbs, cooked meats, or even a vegetarian filling with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.

4. Can I make stuffed pasta shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can. You can prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 4 hours before baking. This is a convenient option for parties or gatherings.