Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe

If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, you’re in for a treat! This Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe is the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or preparing a cozy family meal, stuffed shells filled with a creamy cheese mixture and baked in a delicious marinara sauce are always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of tender pasta, rich ricotta, melted mozzarella, and savory marinara sauce is the definition of comfort food. Ready to dive into the kitchen? Keep reading for the full recipe, plus tips, substitutions, and presentation ideas to make your meal unforgettable.

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What are Baked Stuffed Shells?

Baked Stuffed Shells is a classic Italian-American dish where large pasta shells, also known as conchiglioni, are filled with a mixture of cheeses (typically ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan), and sometimes spinach or meat, then baked in a flavorful marinara sauce. It’s similar to lasagna or manicotti but with a fun twist thanks to the shell-shaped pasta. The dish is hearty, filling, and ideal for serving a crowd.

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Ingredients List for Baked Stuffed Shells

Here’s everything you’ll need to create the perfect Baked Stuffed Shells:

For the Shells:

• 20-25 jumbo pasta shells
• Salt (for boiling water)

For the Cheese Filling:

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion (finely diced)
• 3-4 garlic cloves (minced)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh basil or parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes (for heat lovers)

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Substitutions and Variations

This Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

1. Cheese Alternatives: While ricotta is traditional, you can substitute it with cottage cheese for a lighter version or mascarpone for an ultra-creamy texture. Vegan ricotta can also be used to make this dish dairy-free.
2. Adding Protein: For a heartier meal, add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken to the cheese filling. Alternatively, you can mix in crumbled tofu for a vegetarian protein boost.
3. Vegetable Variations: If you want to incorporate more vegetables, consider adding spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the cheese mixture. Simply sauté the vegetables before mixing them in with the cheese filling.
4. Sauce Options: Marinara is a classic choice, but you can experiment with other sauces like Alfredo, a creamy tomato sauce, or even a vodka sauce for a richer flavor profile.
5. Pasta Types: If you can't find jumbo shells, manicotti or cannelloni tubes make a great alternative. You could also use lasagna sheets to roll up the cheese filling if you're in a pinch.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
• Drain and rinse the shells under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside while you prepare the filling and sauce.

Step 2: Make the Marinara Sauce

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
• Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Pour in the marinara sauce, season with salt and pepper, and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the cheese filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Mix until well-combined and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Shells

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
• Fill each cooked pasta shell with about 1-2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture. Place the stuffed shells, open side up, in the baking dish on top of the sauce.
• Once all the shells are filled and arranged in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, making sure each shell is covered.
• Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.

Step 5: Bake the Stuffed Shells

• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
• After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Let the baked stuffed shells rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes the shells easier to serve.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this recipe is straightforward, here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

1. Overcooking the Pasta Shells: Be sure to cook the pasta shells until they are just al dente. If they are too soft, they may tear when you try to fill them or fall apart during baking.
2. Undercooking the Sauce: Let your marinara sauce simmer long enough to develop its flavors. Rushing this step can lead to a bland sauce.
3. Overfilling the Shells: Avoid overstuffing the shells, as it can cause the filling to spill out during baking. One to two tablespoons of filling per shell is the ideal amount.
4. Not Covering the Dish While Baking: Covering the dish with foil for the first part of baking ensures that the shells don’t dry out and the cheese gets a chance to melt evenly.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Now that your Baked Stuffed Shells are ready, here are some serving and presentation ideas to take your meal to the next level:

How to Serve Baked Stuffed Shells

• Family Style: Serve the baked stuffed shells straight from the baking dish, family-style, allowing everyone to help themselves.
• Individual Portions: For a more elegant presentation, use a spatula to carefully lift 3-4 shells per person and serve them on individual plates with extra marinara sauce spooned over the top.

Presentation Ideas for Baked Stuffed Shells

• Garnishing: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over the top for a pop of color. A little extra grated Parmesan on top also adds a lovely touch.
• Side Dishes: Serve with a fresh green salad and garlic bread or focaccia to complement the richness of the dish. A side of roasted vegetables, like zucchini or asparagus, works well too.

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Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe Tips

1. Make Ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prepping! You can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time, refrigerate them, and then bake them when you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil if refrigerating.
2. Freezing Option: Baked stuffed shells freeze beautifully. Assemble the dish and freeze it before baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed. You can also bake it straight from frozen, just add an additional 20-25 minutes to the baking time.
3. Adjust the Serving Size: This recipe makes about 4-6 servings, but you can easily scale it up for larger gatherings or down for a smaller dinner.
4. Extra Flavor: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a little heat, or drizzle some olive oil over the baked shells before serving for added richness.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes! Store-bought marinara works perfectly fine in this recipe. Choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor or make your own homemade marinara if you have extra time.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian as written, but you can add extra vegetables like sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the filling if you want to make it even heartier.

3. Can I freeze leftover stuffed shells?

Yes, baked stuffed shells freeze very well. Let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe dish. Freeze for up to 3 months.

4. How long do stuffed shells last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, baked stuffed shells will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the oven or microwave, adding a little extra sauce if needed.

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Conclusion

There you have it—the perfect Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe! This dish combines rich, cheesy flavors with a comforting tomato sauce and tender pasta shells, making it the ultimate Italian comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special gathering, these baked stuffed shells are sure to impress. Don't forget to experiment with the substitutions and variations to make the recipe your own. Happy cooking!

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