Italian Stuffed Shells are a beloved comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dining table. This delightful dish features jumbo pasta shells, known as conchiglioni, which are generously filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, often enhanced with fresh spinach and garlic for added flavor. The beauty of stuffed shells lies not only in their rich filling but also in the way they are elegantly baked in a flavorful marinara sauce, creating a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.<\/p>\n
Originating from Italian-American cuisine, stuffed shells have become a staple in many households across the United States. They offer a wonderful alternative to traditional lasagna, as they are easier to prepare while still delivering that comforting, cheesy goodness that everyone loves. The process of stuffing the shells can be a fun activity for families or friends to enjoy together, making it a great option for gatherings and special occasions.<\/p>\n
These stuffed shells are versatile; you can customize the filling to suit your preferences by adding ingredients like saut\u00e9ed mushrooms, ground meat, or different herbs. Whether served as a main dish or as part of a festive spread, Italian Stuffed Shells are sure to impress with their delicious flavors and inviting presentation. With each bite, you\u2019ll experience the heartwarming essence of Italian cooking, making this dish a must-try for any pasta lover!
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Italian Stuffed Shells Recipe
\nThese Italian Stuffed Shells are a comforting and delicious dish that\u2019s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Filled with a creamy cheese mixture and baked in marinara sauce, they\u2019re sure to be a hit! Here\u2019s how to make them.<\/p>\n
Ingredients
\nFor the Filling:
\n\u2022 1 lb (450g) ricotta cheese
\n\u2022 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
\n\u2022 1\/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
\n\u2022 1 large egg
\n\u2022 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
\n\u2022 2 cloves garlic, minced
\nFor the Assembly:
\n\u2022 12-16 jumbo pasta shells
\n\u2022 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
\n\u2022 Additional shredded mozzarella for topping (optional)
\n\u2022 Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)<\/p>\n
Instructions
\n1. Cook the Pasta Shells:
\n\u2022 Preheat your oven to 375\u00b0F (190\u00b0C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
\n2. Prepare the Filling:
\n\u2022 In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, chopped spinach (if using), and minced garlic. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
\n3. Fill the Shells:
\n\u2022 Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Using a spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture and place them in the baking dish, open side up.
\n4. Add Sauce and Cheese:
\n\u2022 Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. If desired, sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella on top for extra cheesiness.
\n5. Bake:
\n\u2022 Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
\n6. Serve:
\n\u2022 Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.<\/p>\n
Enjoy your delicious Italian Stuffed Shells! They are perfect for meal prep or as leftovers, making them a convenient and satisfying option any day of the week. \ud83d\ude0b<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Italian Stuffed Shells are a beloved comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dining table. This delightful dish features jumbo pasta shells, known as conchiglioni, which are generously filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, often enhanced with fresh spinach and garlic for added flavor. The beauty of stuffed […]<\/p>\nContinue Reading ...<\/a>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5358,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-5357","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-easy-recipes"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/archshapper.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5357","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/archshapper.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/archshapper.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archshapper.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archshapper.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5357"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/archshapper.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5357\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5360,"href":"https:\/\/archshapper.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5357\/revisions\/5360"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archshapper.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5358"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/archshapper.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5357"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archshapper.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5357"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archshapper.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5357"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}