Imagine a delicious dish that brings the comfort of home in every bite! Our Three Cheese Stuffed Shells do just that, making any dinner feel special. This recipe is your ticket to a world of creamy, cheesy goodness, all wrapped up in tender pasta shells. Even if you're new to cooking, this simple guide will turn you into a kitchen superstar in no time.
It's perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or just a cozy night in. So, get ready to dive into the kitchen and create a dish that'll have everyone buzzing with delight. Prepare for a cheesy adventure that promises to satisfy your comfort food cravings!
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
Unbeatable Flavor Combination: The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and depth of flavor. Combining three types of cheese gives an extraordinary taste that one cheese alone cannot achieve. The creamy ricotta creates a rich base, mozzarella brings an irresistible stretchy quality, and Parmesan adds a sharp, savory note that completes the flavor profile. This trio melts together inside each pasta shell, delivering a mouthful of creamy, cheesy ecstasy with every bite. Moreover, the cheeses complement the neutrality of the pasta, making the shells a scrumptious vessel for our star ingredients.
Versatility and Ease:What's fantastic about this recipe is its adaptability and straightforward process. It's forgiving for beginners, while still offering room for more experienced cooks to tweak and experiment. You can add different ingredients like spinach, meat, or various herbs to customize the filling to your liking. It's also a fantastic make-ahead solution; you can prepare the shells in advance and bake them when you're ready, saving you time and reducing last-minute stress. Serving a crowd is a breeze too, as the recipe can easily be doubled or even tripled without compromising on taste or quality. This balance of simplicity and versatility is what makes our three cheese stuffed shells a go-to masterpiece for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta Shells: These are large, shell-shaped pasta that are perfect for stuffing with cheese. If unavailable, you can substitute with manicotti or large ziti.
Ricotta Cheese: This is a creamy Italian cheese with a texture perfect for stuffing pasta. Cottage cheese can be a substitute, though it will alter the taste and texture slightly.
Mozzarella Cheese: Known for its excellent melting quality, it adds gooeyness. In its absence, provolone or fontina are good alternatives.
Parmesan Cheese: This cheese adds a sharp and nutty flavor. You can substitute it with Grana Padano or Asiago cheese for a slightly different but equally robust flavor.
Marinara Sauce: Used as a base for many Italian dishes, it provides a tangy tomato flavor. If you're out of marinara, a simple blend of crushed tomatoes with herbs can replace it.
Tips
- Cook the pasta shells only until they're al dente (firm to the bite) to prevent them from getting too soft while baking.
- Ensure your ricotta mixture is seasoned well to enhance the overall flavor of the filling.
- Don't overstuff the shells, as the filling may ooze out during baking.
- For an extra crispy top, broil the stuffed shells for the last few minutes of baking.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking before serving; this helps the filling settle and flavors meld.
How to Serve
Stuffed shells make for a comforting meal that's satisfying on its own. It's a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with simple sides and can be presented in various ways to make the dining experience more enjoyable.
- With a Side Salad: A fresh, green salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the stuffed shells.
- Garlic Bread: This is a classic accompaniment that balances the meal and is great for dipping into any extra sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly seasoned vegetables can add some nutritional balance and color contrast to your plate.
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Three Cheese Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
- 24 large pasta shells
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning optional
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta shells in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain and lay them out separately to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, ยฝ cup Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper (add oregano or Italian seasoning here if desired).
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the bottom of a baking dish.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the cheese mixture and arrange them in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake or broil for an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or basil before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- Cook the pasta shells only until they're al dente (firm to the bite) to prevent them from getting too soft while baking.
- Ensure your ricotta mixture is seasoned well to enhance the overall flavor of the filling.
- Don't overstuff the shells, as the filling may ooze out during baking.
- For an extra crispy top, broil the stuffed shells for the last few minutes of baking.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking before serving; this helps the filling settle and flavors meld.