Dive into a world of culinary delight with our Sweet Savory Stuffed Shells! This Italian classic is not just a meal; it's an experience that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Imagine tender jumbo pasta shells generously filled with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, all enveloped in a rich marinara sauce. Whether you're planning a family dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this dish is sure to steal the show. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Keep reading for the full recipe and discover the secrets to making these irresistible stuffed shells!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish to prevent shells from sticking.
- Using a spoon, carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture, ensuring they are generously stuffed but not overflowing.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in the baking dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the shells.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of the shells.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.
Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Shells: Be sure to cook the pasta shells just until al dente. This will help them hold their shape and prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
- Chill the Filling: For easier handling, consider chilling the cheese filling for about 15 minutes before stuffing the shells. This will make it firmer and easier to work with.
- Layering Sauce: Don’t skip the marinara sauce at the bottom of the baking dish! This not only prevents sticking but also adds extra flavor to the shells.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to get creative with your cheese! Adding a bit of goat cheese or using a blend of Italian cheeses can give your stuffed shells a unique twist.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the dish to rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld together and makes serving easier.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil before serving can elevate the presentation and flavor of your dish.
- Make Ahead: These stuffed shells can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.Enjoy your cooking adventure with these Sweet Savory Stuffed Shells!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 50mg
