Pasta Recipe Shells
Pasta shells are great for stuffing with a mix of ingredients. Start by cooking jumbo shells in well-salted water for about 7 minutes. Prepare a filling with ricotta or cottage cheese, Parmesan, spinach, and herbs. Preheat your oven and spread marinara sauce in a baking dish. Fill the shells with the cheese mixture, place them in the dish, cover with sauce, and top with mozzarella. Bake for about 25 minutes until bubbly. To learn how to further customize this recipe, keep going.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
When it comes to cooking, you want a recipe that’s easy and delicious, and this pasta shells recipe delivers on both counts. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Easy Transformation: Switch meat for ground French lentils for a vegan option.
- Sneaky Nutrients: Grated zucchini adds health benefits without changing the taste.
- Versatile Fillings: Use ground beef, turkey, or lentils to fit your dietary needs.
- Flavorful Ingredients: Enjoy a rich taste with tomato sauce, fresh herbs, and cheese.
- Quick Prep: It only takes 30 minutes to prepare, with a total cooking time of 1 hour and 15 minutes. Plus, you can prepare the filling a day in advance for added convenience.
This recipe isn’t only adaptable but also a great way to enjoy a nutritious meal with family or friends.
Recipe
Ingredients:
– 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
– 15 ounces ricotta or whipped cottage cheese
– 4 to 6 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 2 cups fresh spinach (steamed and drained)
– 2 cloves garlic (minced)
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper (to taste)
– Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
– Optional: Lemon zest, dried oregano, red pepper flakes
Instructions:
1. Begin by bringing a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the jumbo pasta shells and cook for about 7 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking, or until they’re 3 minutes shy of al dente.
- Drain the shells and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta or cottage cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, steamed spinach, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (or 400°F for a slightly crispier top). Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
- Using a piping bag or a spoon, carefully fill each cooked shell with the cheese mixture and arrange them in a single layer in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the filled shells and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the dish is hot and bubbly. If you prefer a faster method, cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes at 425°F, then uncover for an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
For best results, consider preparing the stuffed shells ahead of time. You can assemble them and refrigerate or freeze until you’re ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Additionally, feel free to customize the filling with your favorite herbs or spices, and don’t forget to serve with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping! Frozen spinach is convenient when you need a quick option for your stuffed shells.
Final Thoughts
Serving pasta shells can be a delightful experience, especially when you regard the various pairings and sides that enhance the meal.
