Creamy Dreamy Stuffed Shells Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic

Creamy cheese and hearty stuffed shells promise a comforting Italian-inspired dinner that’ll make you swoon.

Pasta shells cradle a rich mixture of ricotta, herbs, and tender ingredients.

Marinara sauce cascades over each perfectly filled shell, creating a mouthwatering canvas of flavor.

Mediterranean influences shine through this classic comfort dish that feels both rustic and elegant.

Weeknight meals can definitely sparkle with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients combine into something truly spectacular.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this delectable pasta creation.

Why Stuffed Shells Are the Ultimate Comfort Food

Savor Hearty Comfort: Why Stuffed Shells Rock

• Create Impressive Meals: Transforms ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that looks professionally prepared, making you feel like a culinary superstar.
• Perfect for Family Gatherings: Delivers crowd-pleasing flavors that bring everyone together, with generous portions that satisfy both kids and adults around the dinner table.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows swapping ground beef for turkey, adding vegetables, or creating vegetarian versions without compromising deliciousness.
• Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Straightforward preparation means even beginner cooks can achieve spectacular results, ensuring a stress-free cooking experience with guaranteed tasty outcomes.

What Goes Into Classic Stuffed Shells

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large shells perfect for holding a delicious cheese and meat filling.

• Ground Beef: Provides a hearty and flavorful meat base for the dish.
• Pasta Sauce: Adds rich tomato flavor and moisture to the stuffed shells.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that create a deep, savory foundation for the meat sauce.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese that forms the primary filling for the shells.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey and stretchy topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor to enhance the overall taste.
• Egg: Helps bind the cheese filling together and provides structure.

• Dried Parsley, Dried Oregano, Salt, Black Pepper: Seasonings that add depth and balance to the dish's flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the onions and ground beef.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps cover the dish during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

Steps to Make Ultimate Comfort Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Boil Pasta Shells

Cook jumbo pasta shells in salted water until tender. Drain and let cool completely.

Step 2: Create Savory Meat Sauce

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Add ground beef and cook until browned.

Drain excess fat. Pour pasta sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Cheese Mixture

• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Beaten egg
• Dried parsley
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Combine until smooth and well-mixed.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Dish

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 5: Fill Pasta Shells

Generously stuff each pasta shell with cheese mixture.

Arrange shells in the prepared baking dish.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

Pour remaining meat sauce over stuffed shells.

Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Let shells rest for a few minutes.

Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips for Creamy, Cheesy Stuffed Shells

• Ensure shells are al dente by testing texture and not overcooking to prevent mushy texture during baking.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother blending and more consistent filling that spreads easily inside shells.
• Drain excess fat from ground beef to prevent watery sauce and maintain rich, concentrated flavor.
• Lightly coat baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray before adding sauce to avoid shells sticking to bottom.
• Prepare stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking, allowing flavors to develop and saving preparation time.

Tasty Swaps for Stuffed Shells Night

• Vegetarian Stuffed Shells: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version.
• Spinach and Ricotta Shells: Add chopped spinach to the cheese filling for extra nutrition and vibrant green color.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Shells: Swap pasta shells with zucchini boats for a gluten-free, lower-carb alternative that's packed with vegetables.
• Mediterranean-Style Shells: Incorporate feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil into the filling for a Greek-inspired twist on the classic recipe.

Pairings to Serve With Comforting Stuffed Shells

Select a zesty Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, creamy cheese and balance the hearty meat sauce.

Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to provide a refreshing contrast to the heavy pasta dish.

Serve warm garlic bread or crusty Italian ciabatta to soak up extra sauce and add delightful textural crunch.

Choose a medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese that stands up to the robust meat sauce and complements the Italian-inspired flavors.

Storing Stuffed Shells for Later Enjoyment

• Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire dish in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date and contents.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.
• Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.

FAQs

• Are stuffed shells a traditional Italian dish?

Stuffed shells are an Italian-American creation, not a classic Italian recipe. They were developed by Italian immigrants in the United States who adapted traditional pasta-making techniques to local ingredients.

• Can I make stuffed shells vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground beef with vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also use plant-based meat alternatives or simply increase the cheese mixture.

• What type of cheese works best for stuffed shells?

Ricotta is the primary cheese, but a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan creates a rich, creamy filling. Some cooks also add cottage cheese for extra texture.

Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Italian-style Stuffed Shells blend creamy ricotta and savory herbs into perfectly crafted pasta pockets. Cheesy comfort awaits with each forkful, promising a delightful Mediterranean-inspired meal that brings family and flavor together.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Protein:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells (approximately 6 ounces / 170 grams)
• 1/2 pound (8 ounces / 226 grams) ground beef

Cheese Mixture:

• 1 (15-ounce / 425 grams) container ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg

Herbs, Seasonings, and Other Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24-ounce / 680 grams) jar pasta sauce
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta shells by immersing in rapidly boiling, salted water for approximately 8-10 minutes until tender yet firm. Carefully drain and arrange shells on a clean kitchen towel to cool and prevent sticking.
2. Create a robust meat sauce by sautéing diced onions in olive oil until translucent, approximately 3 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and ground beef, breaking protein into small crumbles. Cook until meat browns completely, eliminating excess fat. Incorporate pasta sauce and simmer for 10-12 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
3. Develop a creamy cheese mixture by whisking ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-integrated. Ensure ingredients are evenly distributed for consistent flavor.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Generously fill each pasta shell with cheese mixture, positioning them carefully in the prepared dish.
5. Cascade remaining meat sauce over stuffed shells, ensuring complete coverage. Sprinkle additional mozzarella across the top, creating an enticing golden cheese layer.
6. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until cheese becomes bubbly and slightly caramelized.
7. Allow dish to rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from oven. Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan before serving to enhance visual appeal and flavor profile.

Notes

• Choose jumbo shells carefully to ensure they can hold the cheese filling without breaking during cooking.
• Drain pasta shells completely and let them cool to prevent soggy or mushy texture when stuffing.
• Use whole milk ricotta for a creamier, richer cheese filling that holds its shape better.
• Consider mixing ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein alternative to beef.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 610 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg