Stuffed Shells Recipe

Delicious pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and spinach, baked in marinara sauce, topped with cheese for a comforting and hearty dish.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 30 ounces whipped cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
• 6 ounces Parmesan cheese grated
• 1 egg
• 1 to 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley minced
• ¾ cup fresh basil leaves finely chopped (about 8 to 10 leaves)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 28 ounces marinara sauce
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese grated

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the Oven
   Adjust your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and ready for our delicious creation. It’s always a good idea to preheat early, as this allows the oven to settle at the right temperature, ensuring an even bake.

2. Step 2: Prep Your Baking Dish
   Give a 9×13-inch baking dish a generous spray with cooking oil. This will make sure nothing sticks later. Once that’s done, pour in half of the marinara sauce, spreading it evenly on the bottom. This will create a tasty bed for our stuffed shells. Set aside the dish for now.

3. Step 3: Cook the Pasta Shells
   Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, sprinkling in a tablespoon of kosher salt to season the pasta as it cooks. Toss in the jumbo pasta shells and let them cook until they’re just shy of al dente—usually about 3 minutes less than the package suggests. This keeps them firm enough to handle without tearing.

4. Step 4: Drain and Cool the Shells
   Once your shells are cooked to perfection, drain them in a colander and rinse under cool water. This stops the cooking process and makes them easier to handle. Set them aside, and let them rest while you move on to the filling.

5. Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Filling
   In a large bowl, combine the whipped cottage cheese or ricotta with the grated Parmesan. Crack in the egg and mix in the minced garlic, fresh parsley, and basil. Add a sprinkle of salt and a dash of freshly ground pepper. Stir everything together until you’ve got a creamy, herby mixture that smells absolutely divine.

6. Step 6: Stuff the Shells
   Now for the fun part—spoon the cheese mixture into each shell, being careful not to overfill. Nestle each stuffed shell into the marinara sauce in your prepared dish. They should fit snugly, like little boats bobbing on a sea of tomato goodness.

7. Step 7: Add Sauce and Cheese
   Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, making sure everything is nicely covered. Finally, sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the top. This will melt beautifully in the oven, creating a bubbly, gooey topping that’s hard to resist.

8. Step 8: Bake and Enjoy
   Slide the dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted, and everything is hot and bubbly. Once ready, serve immediately and watch the smiles appear as everyone digs in.

Notes

Fumbling with stuffed shells can be a rite of passage in the kitchen, but a few tips can keep you on the right track. One common hiccup is overcooking the pasta. Aiming for a slightly undercooked shell is key; they'll finish cooking in the oven. Another potential pitfall? Forgetting to season the filling. Be generous with the herbs and cheese for a flavorful bite.

When filling the shells, resist the urge to overstuff. A gentle touch and a moderate amount of filling ensure they won't burst open while baking. Lastly, don't skimp on the sauce. A good layer at the bottom and top keeps everything moist and delicious. Embrace these tips for a dish that's sure to impress!