Whoa! What’s not to love about Stuffed Shells? These pasta pieces laden with the luscious and creamy goodness of cheese, all swimming in an aromatic herby sauce. Mmm, I can already feel my mouth watering. It’s a wonder of the Italian cuisine and has the potential to hit a home run during any occasion. Be it a lively family dinner, a fancy dinner date or just an evening to treat your taste buds, Stuffed Shells is a go-to.
Let me tell you, each bite is a delicious orchestra of tender pasta, rich and creamy cheesy center, and the tangy herby pasta sauce. It’s starts off with a bang and leaves you humming for more after each mouthful. Oh, and did I mention how much fun it is to prepare it? From stuffing the shells to laying them out, it’s a relaxing and enjoyable cooking journey. So why wait? Here’s all you need to cook up your very own Stuffed Shells.
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 6 people
- Yield: 18-20 shells
So grab your cooking gears and follow me into this culinary adventure. Let’s shell out some goodness together!
Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need
- 18-20 Jumbo pasta shells
- 15 ounces Ricotta cheese
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 Egg
- 2 cups Tomato sauce
- Garlic, basil, salt and pepper as per taste
And as for your equipment, you’ll need a large pot to cook the shells, a 9×13-inch baking dish, and a medium-sized bowl to mix the ingredients.
The choice of cheese is important here ��� Ricotta, Mozzarella and Parmesan all lend distinct flavors and textures that make those shells pop!
How To Make Stuffed Shells
- First, preheat your oven to 350��F (175��C). Then boil the pasta shells until they are al dente. Make sure to add salt to the water. This is important because the salt adds some flavor to the pasta.
- In your medium-sized bowl, mix together the Ricotta, Mozzarella, Parmesan, and a beaten egg. Season with some minced garlic, basil, salt and pepper.
- Spread a cup of tomato sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. Start stuffing your shells with the cheese mixture and lay them in the dish. Drizzle the remaining sauce on top.
- Sprinkle some extra cheese on top and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Tips For The Best Results
- For a creamier texture, use full fat Ricotta cheese.
- To ensure a golden brown and bubbly top, broil the dish for the last 5 minutes of baking.
Storage Tips
- You can store leftover stuffed shells in airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For freezing, wrap the dish in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I prepare Stuffed Shells in advance?
A: Yes, you absolutely can. You can prepare it a night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to cover it properly before storing.
Q: Which is the best pasta sauce for this recipe?
A: You can use any kind of tomato-based sauce. A rich marinara sauce often works best for me.
Q: Does it have to be jumbo shells?
A: Yes, because you need enough space to stuff the cheese mixture into.
Q: Can I add meat to the stuffing?
A: Sure, you can add cooked ground meat to the cheese mixture for a meaty version.
Q: Can stuffed shells be frozen?
A: Yes, be sure to freeze them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag.
Nutritional Facts of Stuffed Shells
Each serving of Stuffed Shells is approximately 300-400 calories. It contains carbohydrates from pasta, a good amount of protein from the cheese and a little fiber from the tomato sauce. These are also rich in calcium and Vitamin A. However, the calorie and nutritional value might vary a bit depending on the type of cheese and sauce you use.
So, there you go folks! That���s the scoop on these creamy, cheesy, scrumptious Stuffed Shells! Arm yourself with your favorite drink, sit back and relish the explosion of tastes. Whether you serve it at a dinner party or enjoy a plateful all on your own, one thing’s for sure ��� everyone’s going to be raving about it! Buon Appetito!
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