Oh, my good gravy, you’re in for a treat! Today, we’re creating the ultimate comfort food extravaganza, Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells | Even Better Than Olive Garden. Trust me, one taste of this glorious dish and you might just throw your favorite Italian restaurant’s business card in the bin! These stuffed pasta shells are perfect for family dinners, dinner parties, cozy weekends, or even just for when you’re feeling a little bit fancy. And the best part? You’d be making it all yourself! Yeah, you’ve got this!
Now, let’s dish out the details about these giant cheese stuffed shells. These babies are generously filled with creamy, tangy ricotta cheese and snuggly encased in al dente pasta shells, all drenched in a homemade tomato sauce. It’s a symphony of flavors that sings to your palate. And don’t worry, it’s easier to cook than it Sounds!
The entire process might take you around 1 hour, 30 minutes:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 servings
- Yield: 24 stuffed shells
Alrighty, let’s gather our ingredients and tools and get cooking!
Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need
Here are the goodies you gonna need:
- 24 large pasta shells
- 1 jar of marinara sauce (24 oz)
- 2 cups of ricotta cheese
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
And for the equipment, you’ll need:
- A large pot for boiling the pasta
- A mixing bowl for preparing the cheese filling
- A baking dish suitable for holding 24 shells
So, a couple of things to keep in mind. The ricotta cheese is your main stuffing, providing that creamy, delightful sensation. The chopped parsley and basil add some freshness to our cheese mixture. As for substitutes, you could use a store-bought alfredo sauce instead of homemade marinara if you’d like.
How To Make Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells | Even Better Than Olive Garden
- Preheat your oven to 350��F (176��C). Cook your pasta shells as instructed on the package until al dente, then drain and let cool.
- In your mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, and basil. Season this mixture with salt and pepper.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your baking dish.
- Stuff each pasta shell with cheese mixture and place them in the baking dish. Top the shells off with the remaining marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake it in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is beautifully golden and bubbling. Serve and enjoy!
Tips For The Best Results
- Don’t overcook the pasta shells. They should be al dente as they’ll be baked again.
- Taste your cheese mixture before stuffing. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Add more cheese on top if you are a cheese lover.
Storage Tips
- You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven.
- You can also freeze uncooked stuffed shells for up to 3 months. Bake them whenever you’re ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time and simply bake them when ready.
Q: What can I serve this with?
A: These shells are fabulous on their own but you could serve it with a side salad or garlic bread.
Q: Can I use other types of cheese in the filling?
A: Of course, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cottage cheese or provolone.
Q: Can I add meat to the filling?
A: Yes! Ground beef, sausage or chicken would pair well. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly before adding to the mixture.
Q: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
A: Definitely! Just choose large shells that are gluten-free.
Nutritional Facts of Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells | Even Better Than Olive Garden
Coming soon!
So there you have it, folks! The ultimate comfort dish to satisfy your Italian cuisine cravings. These Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells are everything you could wish for and more. It’s a delightful meal that everyone will enjoy – even the little ones! So whatcha waiting for? Get in the kitchen and start cooking this deliciousness. And remember to share your masterpiece with us! Enjoy!
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