Stuffed Shells Oven Recipe: A Complete Guide

Filling to Perfection

The filling is the heart and soul of any stuffed shells recipe. While there are endless possibilities, a classic combination often involves a mixture of ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, fresh herbs, and aromatics. This blend creates a luscious and creamy base that can be customized to your liking. Some options for variations will be discussed later in this article.

To prepare the filling, start by combining the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, and beaten eggs in a large mixing bowl. Stir until the ingredients are well-incorporated. Then, add fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or oregano, along with any desired aromatics like minced garlic or dried red pepper flakes. Fold these flavors into the cheese mixture, creating a delightful blend of smooth and savory goodness.

Tips for Stuffed Shell Success

Now that we have covered some culinary details, let’s explore some tips that can help you achieve stuffed shell excellence!

1. Seasoning: Ensure that every component of your dish is seasoned properly. Be generous with salt and pepper in both the pasta water and the filling mixture.

2. Proper Assembly: Carefully fill each pasta shell with a spoonful of filling, ensuring they are evenly packed. Arrange them in a snug single layer in your baking dish, allowing some space between each shell to accommodate expansion during baking.

3. Cheese Galore: To add an extra layer of indulgence, sprinkle grated cheese on top of the shells before baking. Mozzarella or a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan work exceptionally well.

4. Sauces and Toppings: While stuffed shells are delicious on their own, you can elevate them further by adding a flavorful sauce such as marinara or Alfredo before baking. Additionally, garnishing with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil after baking can enhance both presentation and taste.

5. Perfect Bake: Bake the stuffed shells in a preheated oven, usually around 375°F (190°C), for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the shells are slightly golden. Keep an eye on the dish to prevent over-browning.

6. Resting Time: After taking the stuffed shells out of the oven, allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This gives the dish time to set, making it easier to plate and enjoy.

Variations to Suit Your Palate

One of the wonderful things about stuffed shells is their versatility. There are endless options for fillings and variations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

1. Vegetarian: Embrace the bounties of vegetables by creating a vegetarian stuffed shells dish. Sauteed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese make for a delightful combination. Alternatively, try a blend of roasted butternut squash, sage, and goat cheese for a seasonal twist.

2. Seafood: For seafood lovers, consider using crab or shrimp as part of the filling. Enhance the flavors further by adding a touch of Old Bay seasoning or a squeeze of lemon juice. A creamy béchamel sauce with a hint of dill can tie everything together beautifully.

3. Meaty Marvels: Do you prefer a heartier option? Incorporate cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken into your filling mixture. Combine these savory elements with diced tomatoes, minced garlic, and Italian herbs for a truly satisfying experience.

Remember, creativity is the key to making your stuffed shells unique and tailored to your individual tastes.

Checking for Doneness

It’s important to ensure that your stuffed shells are cooked to perfection before serving. When it comes to doneness, look for these indicators:

1. Pasta Texture: The shells should be cooked al dente during the boiling phase and slightly softened after baking. They should still maintain their shape and have a pleasant bite without being too firm or overly mushy.

2. Internal Temperature: Since the filling often contains raw eggs, it’s crucial to ensure that the internal temperature reaches a safe level. A meat thermometer inserted into the center of a stuffed shell should read at least 160°F (71°C).

The Ultimate Stuffed Shells Oven Recipe

Finally, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of an exemplary stuffed shells oven recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 box of large pasta shells

• 2 cups ricotta cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 cups marinara sauce

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.

2. Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions, but slightly undercook them to al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten eggs, chopped basil, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until well-incorporated.

4. Spoon a generous amount of the cheese mixture into each pasta shell, filling them evenly. Place the filled shells in the prepared baking dish.

5. Pour the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring each shell is well-coated. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.

6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Remove the foil and let the stuffed shells bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese turns golden.

8. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the dish to rest for a few minutes.

9. Serve the stuffed shells warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, this stuffed shells recipe is sure to impress.

Conclusion

In conclusion, stuffed shells are an indulgent and satisfying dish that offers endless creative possibilities. With the right culinary details, filling techniques, helpful tips, and variations, you can elevate this classic recipe to new heights. Select the perfect shells, clean and prepare them correctly, and master the art of filling them to perfection. Remember to season generously, experiment with different ingredients, and check for doneness to achieve optimum results. Finally, savor every bite of your homemade stuffed shells, knowing that you’ve created a truly impressive and delicious meal.

Sources

FAQS On Stuffed Shells Oven Recipe

What Are Stuffed Shells?

Stuffed shells are a delicious Italian dish made with large conchiglioni pasta shells that are filled with a flavorful mixture. The shells are then baked in the oven until cheesy and golden.

What Ingredients Do I Need For A Stuffed Shells Oven Recipe?

To make stuffed shells, you will need 20-24 large conchiglioni pasta shells, 1 pound of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, 2 cups of marinara sauce, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste, and fresh basil for garnish (optional).

How Do I Prepare The Pasta Shells For Stuffing?

Begin by cooking the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the shells and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process. It’s important to handle the shells gently during these steps to prevent them from tearing or breaking.

How Do I Prepare The Filling For The Stuffed Shells?

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and the mixture is creamy. This mixture will be used to stuff the cooked pasta shells.

How Do I Assemble And Bake The Stuffed Shells In The Oven?

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Take each cooked pasta shell and spoon in a generous amount of the cheese filling, being careful not to overstuff. Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish, arranging them in a single layer. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, making sure to cover them completely. Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the shells are heated through. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve hot.