** A serving of stuffed shells filled with ricotta cheese and marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and fresh basil.
Stuffed shells are a classic Italian comfort dish, filled with creamy ricotta cheese and baked in marinara sauce, then topped with mozzarella. This cheesy dish is perfect for dinner or special occasions and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Introduction
Cheese-stuffed shells are a satisfying and easy-to-make meal that’s both hearty and flavorful. The combination of pasta shells, ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella makes for a delicious and comforting dish. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or at a holiday gathering, stuffed shells are always a hit.
Why You’ll Love These Cheese-Stuffed Shells
- Cheesy and creamy: Ricotta and mozzarella cheese make a rich, satisfying filling.
- Easy to make: Stuff the shells, pour the sauce, and bake!
- Make ahead and freeze: Perfect for prepping meals for the week.
- Comforting: Classic Italian comfort food at its finest.
- Kid-friendly: Even picky eaters will love this cheesy dish.
Ingredients for Cheese Stuffed Shells
Ingredients:
- Jumbo pasta shells (12–16 shells): The perfect size for stuffing.
- Ricotta cheese (15 oz): The creamy filling for the shells.
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded): For melting and topping.
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated): For an extra cheesy finish.
- Marinara sauce (2 1/2 cups): For the base of the dish.
- Fresh basil (for garnish): For a fresh touch.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For flavor.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing the garlic.
Cheese Stuffed Shells Recipe Step-by-Step
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
- 1. Preheat the oven. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2. Boil the pasta shells. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- 3. Make the ricotta filling. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella, parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- 4. Stuff the shells. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta mixture. Place the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish.
- 5. Add marinara sauce and cheese. Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- 6. Bake. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 7. Serve. Garnish with fresh basil and serve with garlic bread or a side salad.
Reader Review: “These stuffed shells are so cheesy and delicious! Perfect for family dinners.”
Tips for Perfect Cheese Stuffed Shells
- Don’t overstuff the shells: Pack the ricotta mixture tightly, but don’t overfill.
- Use a high-quality marinara sauce: A flavorful sauce is key to making this dish shine.
- Cover with foil: Covering the shells while baking helps them stay soft and cook evenly.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add spinach: Stir in sautéed spinach or other greens into the ricotta mixture.
- Make it vegan: Use vegan ricotta and cheese substitutes.
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes until hot.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve with garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with a glass of red wine like Chianti or Merlot for a rich pairing.
If you make these cheese-stuffed shells, leave a rating and comment! How did you make them? Did you try any different fillings?