Stuffed Shells Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Guide
Are you looking for a comforting, flavorful, and impressive dish to make for your next dinner party or family gathering? Look no further than stuffed shells! This classic Italian-American recipe is surprisingly easy to make, and the results are always a crowd-pleaser. This guide will walk you through a delicious stuffed shells recipe, perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
What You'll Need: Ingredients for the Best Stuffed Shells
This recipe yields approximately 12 stuffed shells. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs.
For the filling:
- 1 pound ricotta cheese (whole milk is best!)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
For the assembly:
- 1 box (12 ounces) jumbo pasta shells (ensure they are oven-ready)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional additions for extra flavor:
- Sautéed mushrooms and onions
- Spinach (fresh or frozen, thawed and squeezed dry)
- Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled)
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Perfect Stuffed Shells
Step 1: Prepare the filling
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined. If adding optional ingredients like spinach or sausage, incorporate them now.
Step 2: Cook the shells
Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions. Make sure they are al dente – slightly firm to the bite – because they'll cook further in the oven. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 3: Assemble the stuffed shells
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Prepare the sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the sauce evenly over the stuffed shells in the baking dish.
Step 5: Bake to perfection
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously over the stuffed shells. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
Step 6: Rest and serve!
Let the stuffed shells rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes them easier to serve. Enjoy your delicious homemade stuffed shells!
Tips and Tricks for the Ultimate Stuffed Shells
- Don't overfill the shells: This can cause them to break during baking.
- Use a good quality ricotta cheese: This will significantly impact the flavor of the filling.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add more or less of any of the spices to suit your preference.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving: A finishing touch of fresh basil or parsley will add a burst of freshness.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
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