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Italian Stuffed Shells Recipe

Italian Stuffed Shells Recipe

5.1 from 13 reviews

These Italian Stuffed Shells are a classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, topped with marinara sauce, and baked to cheesy perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

For Greasing Pan:

  • extra virgin olive oil or cooking spray

For Pan:

  • 1/2 cup spaghetti sauce

For Pasta:

  • 6 ounces jumbo pasta shells (about half a standard-size box)

For Filling:

  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
  • 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

For Topping:

  • 2 1/2 cups spaghetti sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish with olive oil and spread 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce on the bottom.
  2. Boil Pasta: Cook jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water for 9 minutes. Drain but do not rinse.
  3. Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, minced garlic, parmesan, parsley, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. Fill Shells: Stuff each shell with the ricotta mixture and place in the baking dish.
  5. Top and Bake: Cover shells with remaining sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bake for 30 minutes until cheese is melted and browned.
  6. Serve: Let the dish sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian, Stuffed Shells, Pasta, Ricotta, Comfort Food