Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe: A Delicious and Satisfying Meal
Are you looking for a comforting and flavorful dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion? Look no further than this stuffed pasta shells recipe! This recipe is easy to follow, customizable to your liking, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. It's a crowd-pleaser that’s both hearty and delicious.
What Makes This Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe So Special?
This recipe isn't your average stuffed shells. We've focused on creating a dish that's bursting with flavor and texture, using high-quality ingredients and simple techniques. Here's what sets it apart:
- Perfectly Cooked Shells: We'll guide you through the process of cooking the pasta shells to achieve that al dente texture without them breaking.
- Flavorful Filling: The meaty and cheesy filling is the star of the show, perfectly seasoned and incredibly satisfying.
- Creamy Sauce: A rich and creamy sauce ties everything together, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, meats, or cheeses to personalize this recipe to your liking. Think spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes—the possibilities are endless!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings. Adjust quantities as needed.
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a vegetarian substitute like lentils)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 1 pound jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef (or your chosen protein) over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley.
Assemble and Bake:
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Fill each pasta shell with the meat mixture.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.
Serve and Enjoy!
Let the stuffed shells rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and garlic bread.
Tips and Variations:
- For a vegetarian option: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or vegetables like mushrooms and spinach.
- Add some spice: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream to the filling for extra richness.
- Use different cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, fontina, or asiago.
This stuffed pasta shells recipe is a versatile and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
