ADVERTISEMENT
### Instructions:
#### 1. **Cook the Pasta:**
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions, usually about 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Once cooked, drain the shells and lay them out on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Set aside to cool slightly.
#### 2. **Prepare the Filling:**
While the pasta is cooking, mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses in a large bowl. Add the egg, fresh basil, fresh parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. This mixture will be the creamy filling for your stuffed shells. Adjust the seasoning to taste—feel free to add more herbs or spices if you prefer a stronger flavor.
#### 3. **Preheat the Oven:**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, prepare a baking dish by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom to prevent the shells from sticking.
#### 4. **Stuff the Shells:**
Once the shells are cool enough to handle, stuff each shell with about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture. Be generous with the filling, but don’t overstuff, as the filling may spill out while baking.
#### 5. **Assemble the Dish:**
Place the stuffed shells in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Once all the shells are filled, pour the marinara sauce over the top, making sure each shell is covered in sauce. If you like extra cheesy shells, you can sprinkle more shredded mozzarella on top at this stage.
#### 6. **Bake:**
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted. For a golden, slightly crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking. You can also broil the top for 1-2 minutes to achieve a bubbly, golden finish, but be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
#### 7. **Garnish and Serve:**
Once baked, remove the stuffed shells from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve the stuffed shells with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
### Why This Recipe Works:
– **Perfectly Cooked Pasta:** Cooking the shells al dente ensures that they hold their shape while being stuffed and baked, preventing them from falling apart during the cooking process.
– **Creamy Filling:** The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a perfectly creamy and cheesy filling that pairs beautifully with the marinara sauce.
– **Rich Sauce:** The marinara sauce infuses the stuffed shells with rich tomato flavor, and baking it all together allows the flavors to meld perfectly.
– **Customization:** You can easily change up the filling by adding ground meat (like Italian sausage or beef) or vegetables (like spinach or mushrooms) to make it your own. You can also swap in a different sauce if you prefer.
### Tips for Success:
– **Don’t Overcook the Pasta:** Remember, you’ll be baking the shells later, so it’s important to cook them just until al dente. If they’re overcooked, they may fall apart when you stuff them or bake them.
– **Use Fresh Herbs:** Fresh basil and parsley will give the filling a wonderful, fragrant flavor. However, if fresh herbs aren’t available, dried herbs will work as well.
– **Add Meat for Extra Protein:** If you prefer a heartier dish, consider adding cooked ground beef, sausage, or turkey to the cheese mixture. You can also sauté some spinach or mushrooms to incorporate into the filling for a veggie-packed version.
– **Make-Ahead Option:** You can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
### Serving Suggestions:
– **Garlic Bread:** Serve your homemade stuffed shells with warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the extra marinara sauce.
– **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the richness of the stuffed shells.
– **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus make for a perfect, healthy side dish.
– **Topped with Fresh Basil:** A sprinkle of fresh basil on top of the baked stuffed shells adds a burst of color and flavor.
### Final Thoughts:
**Homemade Stuffed Shells** are the epitome of comfort food—a satisfying, cheesy, flavorful meal that the whole family will love. With their crispy edges, creamy filling, and rich marinara sauce, they’re perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a special holiday feast. Easy to make, customizable, and oh-so-delicious, stuffed shells are sure to become a regular fixture in your dinner rotation. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the warm, comforting goodness of a homemade Italian classic!
ADVERTISEMENT
