Stuffed Shells: A Pasta Lover’s Delight! 🍝🧀✨

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Delight your taste buds with the scrumptious allure of Stuffed Shells—an iconic Italian dish featuring jumbo pasta shells embracing a savory ricotta filling, all enveloped in a luscious marinara sauce. This comforting and fulfilling meal is an ideal choice for family dinners, gatherings, or any occasion where the desire for a hearty pasta dish arises. Join in the culinary journey and let’s explore the creation of these delightful Stuffed Shells, destined to earn a cherished spot on your dining table as a newfound favorite!🍽️🍝✨

Ingredients:

For the Stuffed Shells:

  • 1 box jumbo pasta shells
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Marinara Sauce:

  • 2 cans (14 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Additional:

  • Extra shredded mozzarella and Parmesan for topping
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Cook the Pasta Shells:

  1. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Ricotta Filling:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, eggs, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Stuff the Shells:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Spoon the ricotta filling into each cooked pasta shell, ensuring they are generously filled.

Make the Marinara Sauce:

  1. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Assemble and Bake:

  1. Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
  2. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish, and pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top.
  3. Sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
  4. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve:

  1. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is golden brown.
  2. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Optional Tips:

  • Add cooked and crumbled Italian sausage to the ricotta filling for a meaty variation.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends, such as fontina or provolone.

In conclusion, Stuffed Shells are a pasta lover’s dream—filled with creamy ricotta, covered in marinara sauce, and topped with gooey melted cheese. Whether served for a cozy family dinner or as a delightful dish for a gathering, these Stuffed Shells are sure to satisfy your cravings for comforting Italian flavors. Enjoy each bite of these cheesy, pasta-filled delights! 🍝🧀✨