Best 15 Baked Shells Recipes

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Welcome to the world of culinary delight, where we embark on a journey to discover the most delectable baked shells recipes. From the classic Italian-American dish to creative modern interpretations, baked shells offer a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you prefer a simple and straightforward recipe or one that incorporates unique ingredients and cooking techniques, this article will guide you through the process of creating the perfect baked shells dish that will impress your family and friends. So, grab your aprons, preheat your ovens, and let's dive into the world of baked shells, where every bite is a moment of pure culinary bliss.

Let's cook with our recipes!

TACO SALAD WITH BAKED SHELLS



Taco Salad with Baked Shells image

Instead of using deep-fried salad shells, this recipe calls for baking flour tortillas in the microwave. Doing so keeps all the flavor and reduces the fat.-Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 pound ground beef
1 envelope taco seasoning
2/3 cup water
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
4 flour tortillas (9 inches)
Refrigerated butter-flavored spray
1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
1/2 cup salsa
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Shredded lettuce, sliced ripe olives, chopped onions and sour cream

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in taco seasoning, water and cumin. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5-7 minutes or until thickened. , Meanwhile, place each tortilla in a microwave-safe 7-in.-diameter shallow bowl, forming a shell. Spritz with butter spray. Microwave two at a time on high for 2 to 2-1/2 minutes or until crisp and lightly browned. Carefully remove from bowls to serving plates., In a microwave-safe bowl, combine refried beans and salsa. Cover and microwave on high for 1-1/2 to 2 minutes or until heated through. Spoon into tortilla shells. Top with the beef mixture and cheese. Serve with lettuce, olives, onions and sour cream.

Nutrition Facts :

CRUSTY BAKED SHELLS & CAULIFLOWER



Crusty Baked Shells & Cauliflower image

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3/4 pound medium shells
Good olive oil
2 1/2 pounds cauliflower, cut into small florets (1 large head)
3 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh sage leaves
2 tablespoons capers, drained
1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 cups freshly grated Italian Fontina Val d'Aosta cheese, lightly packed (10 ounces with rind)
1 cup (8 ounces) fresh ricotta
1/2 cup panko (Japanese bread flakes)
6 tablespoons freshly grated Italian Pecorino cheese
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley leaves

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  • Fill a large pot with water, add 2 tablespoons salt, and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook al dente, according to the instructions on the package. Since it will be baked later, don't overcook it! Drain and pour into a very large bowl.
  • Meanwhile, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large (12-inch) saute pan over medium-high heat, add half the cauliflower in one layer, and saute for 5 to 6 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the florets are lightly browned and tender. Pour the cauliflower, including the small bits, into the bowl with the pasta. Add 3 more tablespoons of oil to the saute pan, add the remaining cauliflower, cook until browned and tender, and add to the bowl.
  • Add the sage, capers, garlic, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper to the bowl and stir carefully. Stir in the Fontina. Transfer half of the mixture to a 10 x 13 x 2-inch rectangular baking dish. Spoon rounded tablespoons of ricotta on the pasta and spoon the remaining pasta mixture on top. Combine the panko, Pecorino, parsley, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small bowl and sprinkle it evenly on top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until browned and crusty on top. Serve hot.

BAKED SHELLS AND BROCCOLI WITH HAM AND CHEESY-CREAMY CAULIFLOWER SAUCE



Baked Shells and Broccoli with Ham and Cheesy-Creamy Cauliflower Sauce image

Adding toasted whole-wheat breadcrumbs gives this dish a nice crunch that balances out the creaminess of the sauce. Rather than baking the shells with the crumbs on top (which can make them soggy), toast the breadcrumbs separately, and toss a handful over each serving right before you put it on the table.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Pork Recipes

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 small head cauliflower, cored and chopped (3 cups)
6 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
4 medium shallots, roughly chopped
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
4 cups skim milk
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
6 ounces pecorino cheese, grated (2 cups)
1/2 pound medium multigrain pasta shells
1/4 pound sliced smoked ham, chopped
1 medium bunch broccoli, trimmed and cut into florets (5 cups)
1/2 cup toasted whole-wheat panko (Japanese breadcrumbs), for serving (optional)

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add cauliflower, garlic, shallots, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook until softened but not brown, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with flour; stir to coat well.
  • Gradually stir in milk; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; gently simmer until cauliflower is very soft, about 15 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes. Transfer all to a blender, and puree with nutmeg and half the pecorino until smooth, about 2 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta until slightly tender but not fully cooked, about 5 minutes. Drain well; return to pot. Add ham, broccoli, and cauliflower sauce; toss to combine. Transfer to a ovenproof 3 1/2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining pecorino, and bake until bubbling in center, about 30 minutes. Heat broiler, and broil until golden brown on top, 1 to 2 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes. Divide among dishes, top with breadcrumbs, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 358 g, Cholesterol 24 g, Fat 9 g, Fiber 6 g, Protein 25 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 710 g

BAKED SHELLS



Baked Shells image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Time 1h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

Salt
1 pound medium or large shell pasta (not stuffing shells)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 to 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 (10-ounce) box frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and squeezed dry in a clean kitchen towel
Freshly grated nutmeg
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons butter
1 (28-ounce) can Italian tomatoes
1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh basil leaves, 10 to 12 leaves
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1/2 pound ball fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch dice

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium heat. Salt the water, add the shells and cook for 2 to 3 minutes less than the package directions. Heads up: Remove and reserve 1 cup of cooking water just before draining.
  • Meanwhile, heat a medium-sized pot or high-sided skillet over medium heat with the extra-virgin olive oil. Add the onions and garlic and saute for 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the spinach, pulling it apart as you add it, and season with a little freshly grated nutmeg and salt, and pepper, to taste. When the spinach mixture is warmed through, transfer it to a small dish and reserve. Return the pot to the heat, add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the tomatoes and break them up with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, add the basil leaves, and cook to thicken the sauce, about 7 to 8 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Drain the pasta and return it to the hot pot. To the pasta, add the spinach, reserved pasta cooking water, ricotta cheese, and half of the Parmigiano-Reggiano. Adjust the salt and pepper, to taste, and transfer it to a baking dish. Top the pasta mixture with the tomato sauce, mozzarella, and remaining Parmigiano. Bake until the cheeses are melted and bubbly, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the shells from the oven and serve.

BAKED CHEESEBURGER-STUFFED SHELLS



Baked Cheeseburger-Stuffed Shells image

All the flavors of the classic cheeseburger stuffed into pasta shells and smothered in delicious cheese for a twist on fast food you'll love.

Provided by Karly Campbell

Categories     Entree

Time 50m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 oz uncooked jumbo pasta shells
1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons seasoned salt
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 oz)
1/2 cup tomato sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons mustard
1 jar (16 oz) Cheddar cheese sauce
Shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, pickles, chopped onion, as desired

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Cool 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in 10-inch skillet, cook beef over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink; drain. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and seasoned salt. Stir in Cheddar cheese.
  • In small bowl, mix tomato sauce, ketchup and mustard. Spread in baking dish.
  • Use spoon to stuff beef mixture into shells; arrange in tomato sauce mixture in baking dish. Pour cheese sauce over all.
  • Cover with foil; bake 20 minutes.
  • Top with remaining ingredients.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 900, Carbohydrate 69 g, Cholesterol 135 mg, Fat 4, Fiber 3 g, Protein 46 g, SaturatedFat 18 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 3010 mg, Sugar 20 g, TransFat 1 1/2 g

BAKED BROCCOLI-AND-ARTICHOKE SHELLS



Baked Broccoli-and-Artichoke Shells image

When it comes to pairing up with artichokes, why should spinach get to have all of the fun? In this weeknight-friendly pasta bake, broccoli is the green machine responsible for adding that extra boost of vitamin C and fiber. But truth be told, it's the creamy cheddar cheese sauce and smoky bacon folded in before baking that makes this dish an all-around crowd-pleaser.

Provided by Riley Wofford

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 11

8 ounces medium pasta shells
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
10 ounces broccoli, stalks peeled and sliced, florets separated
1/2 cup panko
1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
3 ounces thick-cut bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/3 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups whole milk
1 cup grated sharp white cheddar
1 can (14 ounces) quartered artichoke hearts, drained

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425°F. Cook pasta in a pot of salted boiling water 4 minutes. Add broccoli and cook 2 minutes more; drain. Combine panko and 2 tablespoons Parmigiano.
  • In a saucepan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to paper towels. Add butter to pan; melt. Whisk in flour; cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk. Bring to a simmer; cook, whisking, until thickened slightly, about 4 minutes. Stir in remaining Parmigiano, cheddar, artichokes, broccoli, pasta, and bacon; season to taste.
  • Transfer mixture to a 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle with panko mixture. Bake until golden and bubbling, about 20 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.

BAKED EGGS IN TOMATO SHELLS



Baked Eggs in Tomato Shells image

Provided by Pierre Franey

Categories     easy, appetizer

Time 1h

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 large ripe tomatoes
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1/2 cup chopped white onions
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
4 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or Italian parsley
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 medium eggs
4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese or Gruyere
4 sprigs watercress for garnishing

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  • Core the tomatoes and cut off a small slice from the tops of the tomatoes. Reserve.
  • Run paring knife around the inner rim of the tomatoes. Carefully scoop out the pulp to make a hollow shell or case. Reserve the pulp.
  • Sprinkle the insides with salt and pepper. Place the tomatoes on a rack. Turn upside down to drain.
  • Chop the reserved tomato slices and pulp coarsely.
  • Combine the chopped tomatoes, onions, garlic, basil, olive oil, salt and pepper. Scatter the mixture evenly over the bottom of an ovenproof baking dish large enough to hold the tomatoes snugly.
  • Place the tomatoes right side up and break an egg inside each one. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Scatter the Parmesan cheese over evenly.
  • Place in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Do not let the yolks become too firm. Serve immediately and garnish with watercress sprigs.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 220, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 10 grams, Fat 15 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 12 grams, SaturatedFat 5 grams, Sodium 571 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams, TransFat 0 grams

BAKED PASTA SHELLS WITH SAUSAGE AND GREENS



Baked Pasta Shells with Sausage and Greens image

Crisp nuggets of Italian sausage and tender broccoli rabe swathed in a blanket of cozy cheese sauce-this is the definition of cold-weather comfort food.

Provided by Claire Saffitz

Categories     Bon Appétit     Dinner     Pasta     Sausage     Sage     Fontina     Cheddar     Broccoli Rabe     Cheese     Bake     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Kid-Friendly     Milk/Cream

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

¼ cup plus 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 lb. sweet or hot Italian sausage, casings removed
6 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
1 Tbsp. finely chopped sage, plus 10 leaves for serving
½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
2 cups half-and-half
12 oz. Fontina and/or aged cheddar, coarsely grated, divided
1 lb. ridged medium pasta shells (such as lumaconi) or large tube pasta (such as rigatoni)
1 bunch broccoli rabe, stems cut into 2" pieces, leafy ends left long

Steps:

  • Place racks in middle and upper third of oven; preheat to 325°F. Heat a large, deep ovenproof skillet over medium-high. Pour in ¼ cup oil; add sausage and break up into small pieces. Cook, undisturbed, until browned underneath, about 4 minutes. Stir a few times; cook, undisturbed, until cooked through, about 3 minutes.
  • Add garlic, chopped sage, and red pepper flakes to sausage and cook, stirring, until garlic is golden, about 2 minutes. Mix in half-and-half and simmer until thickened slightly, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Stirring constantly, gradually add two-thirds of the cheese a little at a time, letting it melt before adding more. Cook, stirring, until sauce is smooth and thick, about 3 minutes; season with salt. Remove from heat.
  • Meanwhile, cook pasta in a pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally and adding broccoli rabe during the last 2 minutes, until very al dente, about 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain in a colander, shaking well. Return pasta and broccoli rabe to pot.
  • Add sausage mixture to pasta and toss to coat; transfer to skillet. Cover with foil and bake on middle rack until pasta is al dente and sauce is bubbling, 30-40 minutes. Remove from oven. Heat broiler.
  • Top pasta with remaining cheese. Toss sage leaves and remaining 1 Tbsp. oil in a small bowl; arrange over pasta. Broil on upper rack until cheese is browned in spots, about 5 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.

BAKED SAUSAGE-STUFFED JUMBO PASTA SHELLS



Baked Sausage-Stuffed Jumbo Pasta Shells image

A Canadian Living hit with the Ontario ZAARians, at our Annual Appy-fest. While this recipe actually calls for mild Italian sausge I used Bajan-seasoning called Delish-Dish in a meatball stuffing. I doubt that many ZAARians have "Bajan Delish-Dish" in their pantry.To stay true to the original recipe, therefore, I shall post the recipe as it appears in Canadian Living.. I like the recipe because of the ease with which ingredients combine to produce an interestingly flavourful filling. Can be used as a main course, or appetiser.

Provided by TOOLBELT DIVA

Categories     Pasta Shells

Time 1h5m

Yield 16 Jumbo Stuffed shells, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

16 jumbo sized pasta shells
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 onion, finely diced
1 sweet green pepper, finely diced
2 minced garlic cloves
1 lb mild Italian sausage (casings removed)
1 egg
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 cups bottled strained tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 pinch salt
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425F (220C)
  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta shells until tender, but firm; about 14 minutes. Drain and set aside for future use.
  • Meanwhile, in a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat; cook onion, green pepper and garlic until softened, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a bowl; stir in sausage, egg and parsley.,
  • Place 1 heaping tbsp mixture in each of the shells. Arrange in greased, 8 inch glass baking dish.
  • In a bowl, stir together tomatoes, oregano and salt Spoon over stuffed shells.
  • Sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses; cover and bake in 425F oven for 20 minutes.
  • Uncover and bake further 10 minutes, or until cheese is golden and instant read, digital thermometer inserted in the centre of shell registers 160°F.

CHICKEN AND MUSHROOM BAKED SHELLS



Chicken and Mushroom Baked Shells image

Pasta shells, shredded rotisserie chicken and sauteed cremini mushrooms come together in a homemade tomato sauce. Plenty of gooey cheese--fresh ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan and fontina--folds into and tops the dish.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h5m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
One 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 cup fresh ricotta
1 pound dried medium shells
1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken, skin and bones discarded
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
1 cup grated Parmesan
1 1/2 cups shredded Italian fontina cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until the garlic is golden, about 2 minutes. Add both cans of the tomatoes and 1 cup of water. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat slightly and simmer rapidly, uncovered, until thickened, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in the ricotta and season with salt and pepper.
  • While the sauce simmers, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the mushrooms and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the mushrooms to a large bowl.
  • Cook the shells in the salted boiling water until very al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain the pasta and add it to the mixing bowl along with the mushrooms.
  • Add the tomato sauce, rotisserie chicken, the mozzarella and half of the parmesan to the bowl and stir well to combine. Transfer the pasta to a 3- to 4-quart baking dish and top with the fontina cheese and the remaining Parmesan. Bake, uncovered, until browned, about 15 minutes. Let the pasta rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

BAKED SHELLS WITH WINTER SQUASH



Baked Shells with Winter Squash image

This is a grown-up alternative to macaroni and cheese, but even kids might approve.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 9

Butter, for baking dish
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 large onions, halved and thinly sliced
Coarse salt and ground pepper
2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1 pound small pasta shells
1 package (12 ounces) frozen winter squash puree, thawed
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 slices crusty baguette, cut into 1/4-inch cubes (1 1/2 cups)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Heat 3 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions; season with salt and pepper. Cover; cook until onions are soft and release liquid, 15 minutes. Uncover; raise heat to medium. Cook, stirring, until onions are browned, 20 to 25 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon rosemary.
  • Meanwhile, cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water 2 minutes less than package instructions suggest. Drain, reserving 1 1/2 cups cooking water. Return pasta to pot.
  • Stir squash and reserved pasta water into onions; simmer 2 minutes. Toss squash mixture and 1/2 cup Parmesan with pasta. Transfer to prepared dish.
  • Combine bread cubes with remaining Parmesan, rosemary, and oil; season with salt and pepper. Top pasta with bread cubes; bake until golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes.

SHIRLEY'S BAKED SCALLOPS AND SHELLS



Shirley's Baked Scallops and Shells image

My wonderful mom turns 91 on July 11th and she is still a very independent lady, who loves to create her own recipes. She made this dish the other night, and it was delicious. She was so proud when I told her that I was going to share the recipe with everyone on Food.com.

Provided by Lois Bx

Categories     < 60 Mins

Time 1h

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (16 ounce) box small shell pasta (the tiny ones)
1 lb bay scallop
2 tablespoons virgin olive oil
1 (15 ounce) can white clam sauce
1 teaspoon dill weed
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
parmesan cheese (optional)

Steps:

  • Boil a pot of water and cook the pasta shells as directed on the box.
  • When done, drain the pasta shells and place the shells in a mixing bowl.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Line a baking dish with aluminum foil.
  • Rinse the scallops and pat dry with paper towels.
  • Place scallops in a bowl and toss with the olive oil.
  • Remove the scallops to the lined baking dish and bake them in a 350 degree pre heated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until they are white in color.
  • When the scallops are done, add them to the pasta shells and mix together with the white clam sauce and the dill weed.
  • Turn out into a 9x13 baking dish and sprinkle the seasoned breadcrumbs all over the top.
  • Bake for another 15 minutes.
  • When done, you can sprinkle parmesan cheese over it if you wish.
  • Enjoy!

BAKED SHELLS WITH WINTER SQUASH



Baked Shells with Winter Squash image

Categories     Bread     Bake     Roast     Squash     Winter     Simmer

Yield serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

Butter for the baking dish
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 large onions, halved and thinly sliced
Coarse salt and fresh ground pepper
2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1 pound small pasta shells
1 package (12 ounces) frozen winter squash purée, thawed
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 slices crusty baguette, cut into 1/4-inch cubes (1 1/2 cups)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Heat 3 tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onions; season with salt and pepper. Cover; cook until the onions are soft and release their liquid, about 15 minutes. Uncover; raise the heat to medium. Cook, stirring, until the onions are browned, 20 to 25 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon of the rosemary.
  • Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water for 2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest. Drain, reserving 1 1/2 cups of the cooking water. Return the pasta to the pot.
  • Stir squash and reserved pasta water into the onions; simmer for 2 minutes. Toss the squash mixture and 1/2 cup of the Parmesan with the pasta. Transfer to the prepared dish.
  • Combine the bread cubes with the remaining Parmesan, rosemary, and oil; season with salt and pepper. Top the pasta with the bread cubes; bake until golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Substituting Fresh Squash
  • Roast whole winter squash on a rimmed baking sheet, turning occasionally, until very tender when pierced with a knife, about 1 hour, depending on the size of the squash. When cool enough to handle, halve the squash lengthwise and scrape the flesh into a food processor (discard the skin and seeds). Purée until smooth. You will need 2 cups (from about 3/4 pound squash).

BAKED SHELLS WITH FRESH SPINACH AND PANCETTA



BAKED SHELLS WITH FRESH SPINACH AND PANCETTA image

Categories     Pasta     Dinner

Yield 1 6-8 people

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 tbsp unsalted butter
2 c heavy cream
1/2 c tomato puree
1/2 c freshly grated Parmesan cheese ( 2 oz)
salt and pepper
1/3 lb finely diced pancetta and prosciutto
1 lb fresh spinach
1 lb medium pasta shells

Steps:

  • 1. In a large medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add the heavy cream and tomato puree and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to moderately low and simmer until reduced to 2 1/4 cups, about 15 minutes. Remove from the hear and stir in 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. 2. In a large skillet, cook the pancetta in the remaining 2 tbsp butter over moderately high heat until slightly crisp. Add the spinach in batches and cook, tossing, until wilted. Season with salt and pepper. 3. Preheat the oven to 350F. Cook the pasta shells in a large pot of boiling water until barely al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain. 4. Toss the pasta with the creamy tomato sauce and spinach. Spoon it into a 3 qt shallow baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.

BAKED STUFFED SHELLS



BAKED STUFFED SHELLS image

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 teaspoonolive oil
1/2 cupchopped onion
2 clovesgarlic, minced
1 14.5-ounce canno-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained
1 8-ounce canno-salt-added tomato sauce
1 tablespoonsnipped fresh basil or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
2 teaspoonssnipped fresh oregano or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
1/4 teaspoonsalt
12 dried jumbo shell macaroni
1 12.3-ounce packageextra-firm, silken-style tofu (fresh bean curd)
1/4 cuprefrigerated or frozen egg product, thawed, or 1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cupfinely shredded Parmesan or Romano cheese
1/4 teaspoonground black pepper
1/2 cupshredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese (2 ounces)
2 tablespoonsshredded fresh basil (optional)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. For sauce: In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir about 3 minutes or until onion is tender. Carefully add undrained tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil and oregano (if using), and salt. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, about 15 minutes or until desired consistency. Remove from heat; stir in snipped fresh basil and oregano (if using). Set aside 3/4 cup of the sauce; spoon the remaining sauce into a 2-quart rectangular baking dish. Set aside. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Rinse with cold water; drain again. For filling: Place tofu in a blender or food processor. Cover and blend or process until smooth. Add egg, Parmesan cheese, and pepper; cover and blend or process just until combined. Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the filling into each pasta shell. Arrange filled shells, filling sides up, atop sauce in baking dish. Spoon the reserved 3/4 cup sauce over top. Bake, covered, about 35 minutes or until heated through. Uncover and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake, uncovered, about 2 minutes more or until cheese is melted. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. If desired, top with shredded fresh basil.

Tips:

  • Choose the right pasta shells. Jumbo shells are the most popular choice for baked shells, but you can also use smaller shells, such as conchiglie or manicotti.
  • Cook the pasta shells al dente. This means that they should be cooked until they are tender but still have a little bit of a bite to them.
  • Don't overstuff the pasta shells. You want to be able to fill them without them bursting open.
  • Use a variety of fillings. There are endless possibilities when it comes to filling baked shells. Some popular choices include ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, ground beef, sausage, chicken, seafood, vegetables, and herbs.
  • Top the pasta shells with a delicious sauce. A simple tomato sauce or Alfredo sauce is a great option, but you can also get creative and try something different, such as a pesto sauce or a white wine sauce.
  • Bake the pasta shells until they are golden brown and bubbly. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes.

Conclusion:

Baked shells are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special occasion dinner. With so many different variations to choose from, there is sure to be a baked shells recipe that everyone will love.

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