Easy Stuffed Shells Recipe: A Deliciously Simple Meal
Are you craving a comforting and flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this easy stuffed shells recipe! This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. It's packed with cheesy goodness and savory ingredients, guaranteed to please everyone at the table. This recipe focuses on simplicity, making it accessible to even novice cooks while delivering restaurant-quality taste.
What You'll Need:
This stuffed shells recipe utilizes readily available ingredients, minimizing your grocery shopping time.
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ricotta cheese (part-skim is fine)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other Ingredients:
- 1 package (15 ounces) jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preparing the Shells:
- Cook the shells: Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Making the Filling:
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
Assembling the Stuffed Shells:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Fill the shells: Using a spoon or small spatula, fill each cooked pasta shell generously with the ricotta mixture.
- Arrange in the baking dish: Arrange the filled shells in the prepared baking dish.
Preparing and Adding the Sauce:
- Combine sauce ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Pour over shells: Pour the sauce evenly over the stuffed shells in the baking dish.
Baking and Serving:
- Top with mozzarella: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously over the shells and sauce.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.
- Let it rest: Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and the flavors to meld.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcook the shells: Slightly undercooked shells will help prevent them from breaking during filling and baking.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley adds a vibrant flavor to the filling. If you don't have fresh, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Variations:
- Meat Lovers Stuffed Shells: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or Italian sausage to the ricotta filling for a heartier meal.
- Vegetarian Stuffed Shells: Add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the ricotta filling.
- Spicy Stuffed Shells: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the filling or sauce.
This easy stuffed shells recipe is a crowd-pleaser that's both delicious and simple to prepare. Enjoy!
