Stuffed Cheese Shells is a classic Italian-inspired dish that features jumbo pasta shells generously filled with a creamy and savory cheese mixture, baked to perfection in a rich marinara sauce. This comforting and indulgent recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion when you want to impress your guests with a homemade meal.
To start, you’ll need jumbo pasta shells, which are boiled until al dente according to package instructions. While the pasta cooks, prepare the filling by combining a blend of cheeses such as ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan in a mixing bowl. To add depth of flavor, mix in some finely chopped fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano, along with minced garlic and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Once the pasta shells are cooked and drained, carefully stuff each one with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag, ensuring they are generously filled. Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish that has been lightly greased with olive oil or coated with marinara sauce, nestling them snugly together in a single layer.
Next, pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure they are evenly coated. You can use store-bought marinara sauce or make your own from scratch using tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs simmered together until thick and flavorful.
For an extra layer of cheesy goodness, sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the shells before baking. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the shells are heated through.
Once done, remove the foil and bake for a few more minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Garnish with fresh chopped herbs like basil or parsley before serving.
These Stuffed Cheese Shells are best enjoyed hot out of the oven, with the pasta shells tender and the cheese filling oozing with flavor. Serve them as a main course alongside a crisp green salad and some crusty garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Stuffed Cheese Shells Recipe:
Conclusion:
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can match the indulgent satisfaction of Stuffed Cheese Shells. This Italian-American classic features jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy, flavorful cheese mixture, all nestled in a rich marinara sauce and baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something delicious, Stuffed Cheese Shells is a dish that’s sure to impress and delight.
The magic of Stuffed Cheese Shells lies in the perfect blend of creamy cheeses and aromatic herbs. The filling typically includes a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, creating a rich and luscious texture that melts in your mouth. Ricotta provides a creamy base, while mozzarella adds that irresistible gooeyness, and Parmesan brings a nutty, salty depth. Mixed with fresh herbs like basil and parsley, along with a hint of garlic, the filling is both flavorful and comforting.
Preparing the shells is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. The jumbo pasta shells are cooked until just al dente, then carefully filled with the cheese mixture. Each shell becomes a little pocket of cheesy goodness, ready to be smothered in sauce and baked. Using a piping bag or a spoon, you can easily fill the shells without making a mess, ensuring each one is packed with the perfect amount of filling.
The marinara sauce is the other essential component of this dish. Whether you choose to use a high-quality store-bought sauce for convenience or make your own from scratch, the sauce ties everything together. Its tangy, slightly sweet flavor complements the richness of the cheese, while its vibrant red color adds to the dish’s visual appeal. The filled shells are arranged in a baking dish, generously covered with marinara sauce, and topped with more mozzarella cheese for that classic bubbly, golden finish.
One of the best things about Stuffed Cheese Shells is its versatility. You can customize the filling by adding spinach, mushrooms, or even ground meat for extra flavor and nutrition. It’s a great make-ahead dish too – simply prepare it in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Stuffed Cheese Shells is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together. Serve it with a fresh green salad and some crusty garlic bread for a complete, satisfying dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite. The combination of creamy cheese, tender pasta, and rich marinara sauce is comfort food at its finest, promising warmth and satisfaction with every bite.
In summary, Stuffed Cheese Shells is a delightful and comforting dish that’s easy to make and sure to impress. Its blend of creamy cheeses, aromatic herbs, and rich marinara sauce creates a meal that’s both delicious and heartwarming, perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat.