Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe

Craving an indulgent, cheesy Italian dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare? This Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe is the perfect solution! Stuffed with a rich, creamy ricotta mixture, nestled in savory marinara sauce, and topped with gooey melted cheese, this dish will easily become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these cheesy baked stuffed shells are sure to impress. Ready to get started? Read on for the full recipe and all the tips you need to make this dish perfectly every time!

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What Are Baked Stuffed Shells?

Baked stuffed shells are an Italian-American pasta dish where large pasta shells (known as "conchiglioni") are boiled, then filled with a creamy and savory mixture, typically made of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. These stuffed shells are then placed in a bed of marinara sauce, topped with more cheese, and baked until golden and bubbly.

This comforting dish is reminiscent of lasagna but easier to prepare, with each shell serving as a perfect little pocket of cheesy goodness. Whether you’re serving a crowd or making a smaller portion for yourself, stuffed shells can be easily scaled to fit any occasion.

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Ingredients List for Baked Stuffed Shells

To make a classic version of Baked Stuffed Shells, you'll need the following ingredients:

1. Jumbo Pasta Shells: 20-25 large pasta shells
2. Ricotta Cheese: 2 cups (whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture)
3. Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups, shredded (divided)
4. Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated (for extra flavor in the filling)
5. Egg: 1 large (helps bind the cheese filling)
6. Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (or substitute with dried parsley)
7. Fresh Basil: 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional, for added flavor)
8. Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (for a touch of flavor in the filling)
9. Salt: 1 teaspoon (to season the filling)
10. Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon (for seasoning)
11. Marinara Sauce: 3 cups (homemade or store-bought)
12. Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (for greasing the baking dish)
13. Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon (optional, for added flavor)
14. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional, for a hint of heat)

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Ingredients List for Baked Stuffed Shells (Vegetarian & Other Variations)

While the classic recipe for baked stuffed shells is already vegetarian-friendly, here are a few variations you can try based on your preferences:

1. Spinach-Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Add 2 cups of cooked spinach (drained and chopped) to the ricotta mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.

2. Meat-Stuffed Shells

• Ground Beef or Sausage: 1 lb, browned and mixed with the marinara sauce, or added directly into the cheese filling for a heartier dish.

3. Vegan Baked Stuffed Shells

• Tofu Ricotta: Substitute the ricotta with a mixture of crumbled firm tofu, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice to mimic the cheesy flavor.
• Use a vegan mozzarella and make sure your marinara sauce is vegan as well.

4. Cheesy Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Replace the marinara with Alfredo sauce for a creamy, cheesy twist on this classic recipe.

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Substitutions and Variations

Baked Stuffed Shells are highly adaptable to fit your taste and dietary needs. Here are some substitutions and variations you can explore:

1. Cheese Substitutions: Swap out mozzarella for other melty cheeses like provolone, fontina, or asiago. For a sharper flavor, try adding some pecorino Romano.
2. Sauce Options: Marinara is classic, but you can also use pesto, meat sauce, or Alfredo for different flavor profiles.
3. Pasta Types: If you don’t have jumbo shells, you can use manicotti (large pasta tubes) or even cannelloni as a substitute.
4. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free jumbo shells or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
5. Additional Fillings: Add other veggies like sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or even artichokes to the ricotta mixture.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make the perfect baked stuffed shells step by step:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook until just al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and rinse the shells under cold water to stop them from cooking further. Set them aside.
3. Prepare the Ricotta Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are evenly combined.
4. Fill the Pasta Shells: Using a spoon, carefully stuff each shell with the ricotta filling. Be generous, but don’t overfill the shells, as they need to hold their shape during baking.
5. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Spread 1 ½ cups of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the dish.
6. Arrange the Shells: Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish, open side up, nestling them into the marinara sauce. Arrange the shells in a single layer.
7. Top with Marinara and Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure each shell has a bit of sauce on it. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
8. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden-brown top, remove the foil in the last 10 minutes of baking.
9. Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with additional fresh parsley or basil if desired.

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How to Cook Baked Stuffed Shells: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Step 1: Boil the pasta shells until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Prepare the ricotta filling with cheese, egg, garlic, and herbs.
3. Step 3: Stuff each shell generously with the ricotta mixture.
4. Step 4: Spread marinara sauce in a baking dish and place stuffed shells in the sauce.
5. Step 5: Top with more sauce and mozzarella cheese.
6. Step 6: Bake until bubbly and golden, then serve hot.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Shells: Ensure the pasta is only cooked until al dente. Overcooked shells can fall apart when you try to stuff them.
2. Skipping the Sauce: Don’t skimp on the marinara! It keeps the shells moist and adds essential flavor to the dish.
3. Not Seasoning the Filling: Make sure to properly season the cheese filling with salt, pepper, and herbs. Bland filling can ruin the entire dish.
4. Too Much Cheese on Top: While cheesy dishes are wonderful, adding too much cheese on top can prevent the dish from baking properly and may result in an overly greasy outcome.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Baked stuffed shells are a dish that speaks for itself, but here are a few presentation tips to elevate your meal:

1. Serve in the Baking Dish: Present the shells family-style in their baking dish for a rustic, homestyle feel.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top for a pop of color and freshness.
3. Add Extra Cheese at the Table: Serve with a bowl of freshly grated Parmesan so your guests can add extra cheese to their liking.
4. Sides: Complement this rich dish with a fresh green salad and garlic bread.

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How to Serve Baked Stuffed Shells

Baked stuffed shells are a complete dish on their own, but pairing them with sides can create a more balanced meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is a perfect side for soaking up the extra marinara sauce.
• Green Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the shells.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli or asparagus makes a healthy and flavorful side.

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Presentation Ideas for Baked Stuffed Shells

1. Individual Servings: Plate 3-4 stuffed shells per person, topped with extra sauce and garnished with fresh basil.
2. Buffet Style: If serving a crowd, place the baking dish on a buffet table, and let guests serve themselves.
3. Cheese Crust: Sprinkle extra Parmesan and mozzarella on top, and broil the dish for a crispy, cheesy crust.

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Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe Tips

1. Make Ahead: You can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Freezing: Stuffed shells freeze well. Assemble the dish, then cover and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding an additional 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
3. Reheating: To reheat leftovers, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
   Yes, but it’s best to blend the cottage cheese in a food processor for a smoother texture.
2. Can I make baked stuffed shells in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
3. Can I freeze baked stuffed shells?
   Absolutely! Freeze the unbaked stuffed shells, then bake from frozen, increasing the baking time.
4. How do I keep the shells from sticking together?
   After boiling, rinse the shells under cold water and drizzle them with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
5. Can I use store-bought sauce?
   Yes, using a high-quality store-bought marinara sauce is a great time-saver.

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Conclusion

Baked Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food—a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy filling, savory sauce, and satisfying pasta. With its simple preparation and rich flavors, it’s no wonder this dish is a favorite for family dinners and special occasions alike. Follow these steps, tips, and variations to create your own version of this delicious dish. Enjoy, and happy cooking!

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