Best 15 Stuffed Pasta Shell Recipes

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Stuffed pasta shells are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you're looking for a hearty main course or a light and refreshing lunch, there's a stuffed pasta shell recipe out there to suit your needs. With so many different fillings and sauces to choose from, you're sure to find a combination that you'll love.

Here are our top 15 tried and tested recipes!

STUFFED PASTA SHELLS FOR MEAT-LOVERS



Stuffed Pasta Shells for Meat-Lovers image

These are quite possible the best you can make! I came up with this recipe to satisfy my carnivorous family and incorporate my love for Italian food. These have a ton of meat, but still a nice amount of the traditional ricotta cheese and spinach. These can also be great appetizer, due to the large amount the recipe yields.

Provided by Jessika6958

Categories     Pasta Shells

Time 1h20m

Yield 8-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 1/2 lbs ground beef
2 (12 ounce) boxes jumbo pasta shells
1 (26 ounce) jar Prego spaghetti sauce, any variety
1 (8 ounce) box frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed of excess juice
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 lb of shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
5 tablespoons italian seasoning
1 tablespoon garlic pepper seasoning
4 eggs, slightly beaten
1/3 cup milk

Steps:

  • Brown ground beef and drain. Return to pan.Saute onions and garlic in pan with cooked meat for approximately 3 minutes. Set aside.
  • Boil salted water to cook the pasta shells according to package al dente style. Strain and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, mix ricotta, parmasan, and 2/3 package of shredded mozzarella. Add italian seasoning, garlic pepper, eggs and milk and mix thoroughly. Mix in meat and spinach.
  • In a large baking dish, pour enough sauce to cover the bottom of the pan lightly. Fill each shell with large rounded tablespoons of meat and cheese mixture, and place in pan. Be sure to closely place the shells together so they don't get hard while baking.
  • *If there are too many shells for one pan, make a secong and store tightly covered in freezer until later use.
  • Pour remaining sauce evenly over all of the shells. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover tightly with aluminum foil, and bake at 375 for 35-45 minutes. Take foil off pan, and bake additional 10 minutes.

STUFFED PASTA SHELLS



Stuffed Pasta Shells image

These savory shells never fail to make a big impression, even though the recipe is very easy. One or two of these shells makes a great individual serving at a potluck, so a single batch goes a long way. -Jena Coffey, St. Louis, Missouri

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 45m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 package (12 ounces) jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained
3-1/2 cups spaghetti sauce
Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Combine cheeses and spinach; stuff into shells. Arrange in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Pour spaghetti sauce over the shells. Cover and bake until heated through, about 30 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese after baking.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 314 calories, Fat 13g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 44mg cholesterol, Sodium 576mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 18g protein.

STUFFED SHELLS



Stuffed Shells image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Kosher salt
8 ounces jumbo pasta shells
30 ounces whole-milk ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
12 leaves fresh basil, cut into chiffonade
1 large egg
Freshly ground black pepper
8 ounces Parmesan, grated
2 jars good-quality marinara sauce
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated
Crusty French bread, for serving

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook for half the cooking time on the package; make sure not to overcook. Drain and rinse in cool water. Set aside.
  • In a bowl, mix together the ricotta, Romano, parsley, basil, egg, some salt and pepper and half of the Parmesan. Stir until combined.
  • To assemble, coat the bottom of a baking dish with some sauce. Fill each half-cooked shell with the cheese mixture and place face-down on the sauce. Repeat with the shells until the cheese mixture is gone. Top the shells with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle on the mozzarella and extra Parmesan.
  • Bake until hot and bubbly, 25 minutes. Serve with crusty French bread.

THE BEST STUFFED SHELLS



The Best Stuffed Shells image

Here's our upgrade on the Italian-American comfort food classic. We used three different cheeses to get the ultra-creamy filling just right. It really balances the tangy homemade tomato sauce.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/4 cup olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes, optional
1/4 cup tomato paste
Two 28-ounce cans good-quality peeled whole plum tomatoes, crushed
1 sprig basil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
9 ounces jumbo dried pasta shells
2 cups whole milk ricotta
8 ounces shredded part-skim mozzarella
3 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more for topping
1/4 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves
1 large egg, lightly beaten

Steps:

  • For the marinara sauce: Heat the oil in a medium heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until very soft, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, if using, and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic has softened but not browned, about 3 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat, add the basil and dried oregano, partially cover and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened, about 45 minutes.
  • Remove the basil sprig. If the sauce is still too chunky, mash the larger chunks of tomato with a potato masher. Season with salt and pepper. Let cool.
  • For the shells and filling: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the dried pasta shells cook, stirring occasionally, until softened slightly but not cooked. (The pasta shells should flexible enough to be filled but remain very al dente; they will continue to cook during baking.) Drain, then run under cold water to stop cooking. Drain well again.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, parsley and egg in a large bowl until well combined and uniform. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Transfer the filling to a large disposable pastry bag or large resealable plastic bag (or use a spoon for filling directly from the bowl).
  • Spread 2 1/2 cups of the marinara sauce in a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Snip off the end of the pastry bag and squeeze the filling into the shells one at a time. Arrange the shells open-side up in a tight single layer in the baking dish as you fill them. Top with the remaining marinara sauce. Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake the shells until the sauce is bubbling throughout and the filling is heated through, about 35 minutes.
  • Remove the foil from the pan and continue to bake for 10 more minutes to reduce the sauce. Let cool slightly before serving. Top with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.

STUFFED SHELLS I



Stuffed Shells I image

Jumbo macaroni shells stuffed with cheese mixture, covered with sauce, and baked.

Provided by SALLYJUN

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 50m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (16 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells
4 cups large curd cottage cheese
12 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 pinch garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 (26 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook shells according to package directions. Place in cold water to stop cooking. Drain.
  • Mix together cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, eggs, and garlic powder. Rub the dried herbs in the palms of your hands to pulverize them, and stir into the cheese mixture. Stuff mixture into the shells.
  • Spread 1/3 of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a 15 x 10 inch pan. Place shells open side up, and close together in pan. Spread remaining sauce over top, and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 25 to 35 minutes, or until bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 557.4 calories, Carbohydrate 59.6 g, Cholesterol 97.9 mg, Fat 18.2 g, Fiber 4.3 g, Protein 37 g, SaturatedFat 9.8 g, Sodium 1197.5 mg, Sugar 10.6 g

STUFFED SHELLS IV



Stuffed Shells IV image

Wonderful stuffed shells - makes two 9x13 pans full! You can also freeze them on a cookie sheet and have them when company shows up!

Provided by Barbara

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Turkey     Ground Turkey Recipes

Time 1h15m

Yield 14

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (12 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells
8 ounces mushrooms, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
1 pound ground turkey
salt and pepper to taste
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 cups cottage cheese
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 (32 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1 (8 ounce) package mozzarella cheese, shredded

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain. Set aside in warm water.
  • In a large heavy skillet saute mushrooms, garlic and onions. Add ground turkey and cook until evenly brown. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat, and stir in spinach, parsley, cottage cheese and Parmesan cheese.
  • Stuff the cooked shells with the mixture, and place in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover with spaghetti sauce, and sprinkle top with mozzarella cheese.
  • Cover with foil, and bake in preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 323.4 calories, Carbohydrate 30.9 g, Cholesterol 54.4 mg, Fat 11.3 g, Fiber 3.5 g, Protein 24.4 g, SaturatedFat 4.9 g, Sodium 621.6 mg, Sugar 7.4 g

EASY BEEF-STUFFED SHELLS



Easy Beef-Stuffed Shells image

Here's a rich and comforting dish that's terrific right away or made ahead and baked the next day. Pesto makes a surprising filling for these stuffed shells with meat sauce. -Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h30m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

20 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
1 pound ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup prepared pesto
1 large egg
1 jar (26 ounces) spaghetti sauce, divided

Steps:

  • Cook pasta shells according to package directions to al dente; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1-1/2 cups Italian cheese blend, Parmesan cheese, pesto, egg and half of the beef mixture., Spread 3/4 cup spaghetti sauce into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Spoon cheese mixture into pasta shells; place in baking dish. Combine remaining beef mixture and spaghetti sauce; pour over shells. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover and refrigerate overnight., Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Cover and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover; bake until cheese is melted, 5-10 minutes longer.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 405 calories, Fat 22g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 90mg cholesterol, Sodium 730mg sodium, Carbohydrate 26g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 25g protein.

BAKED STUFFED PASTA SHELLS



Baked Stuffed Pasta Shells image

These are just fantastic! This is one of DH's favorite things I make. Great for family dinner or pot luck. This is really pretty easy to make and true Italian comfort food!

Provided by Little Bee

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 55m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
1 1/4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (Reserve 1/4 cup)
1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
2 lbs ricotta cheese
2 large eggs, lightly beaten and 2 egg yolks
1 pinch nutmeg
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon dried parsley
8 ounces spaghetti sauce (jarred or homemade)
fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

Steps:

  • In an 8 quart pot, bring water to a boil and cook shells for 8 minutes or until al dente.
  • Drain and cool immediately with cold water.
  • Drain and place open side down on paper towels.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the rest of ingredients except the spaghetti sauce.
  • Reserve the 1/4 cup of Mozzarella.
  • Place a thin layer of spaghetti sauce into the bottom of a 12 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Spoon the cheese mixture into each pasta shell and place open side up, in a single layer, in prepared pan.
  • Pour the rest of sauce over the stuffed shells.
  • Loosely cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
  • During last 5 minutes of baking, remove foil and sprinkle remaining Mozzarella cheese on top.
  • Bake 5 more minutes.
  • Garnish with fresh chopped basil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 397.5, Fat 19.6, SaturatedFat 11.6, Cholesterol 103.7, Sodium 384.7, Carbohydrate 31.2, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 2.5, Protein 23.2

STUFFED SHELLS III



Stuffed Shells III image

This recipe is a hit wherever you go. It is a very rich and cheesy meal and looks like a deep-dish pizza when done. I altered what I was originally given because I did not like cottage cheese and added other ingredients that I thought it deserved.

Provided by Renee

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Stuffed Main Dish Recipes

Time 1h30m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (12 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells
2 eggs, beaten
1 (32 ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
8 ounces grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 tablespoon dried parsley
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (28 ounce) jar pasta sauce
8 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  • In a large bowl, mix eggs, ricotta, half the mozzarella, half the Parmesan, parsley, salt and pepper until well combined. Stuff cooked shells with ricotta mixture and place in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • In a medium bowl, stir together pasta sauce, mushrooms and reserved mozzarella and Parmesan. Pour over stuffed shells.
  • Bake in preheated oven 45 to 60 minutes, until edges are bubbly and shells are slightly set.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 549.7 calories, Carbohydrate 43.7 g, Cholesterol 115.6 mg, Fat 24.5 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 37.7 g, SaturatedFat 13.9 g, Sodium 1544.2 mg, Sugar 9.3 g

SEAFOOD-STUFFED PASTA SHELLS



Seafood-Stuffed Pasta Shells image

Add Italian taste to your family's dinner. Enjoy pasta shells stuffed with crabmeat and shrimps that are ready in about an hour.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h5m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

18 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
1 tablespoon margarine or butter
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
1/2 pound asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces (1 1/2 cups)
1 1/2 cups frozen cooked large salad shrimp, thawed
2 cans (6 ounces each) crabmeat, drained (1 3/4 cups)
1 jar (17 ounces) Alfredo pasta sauce
2 tablespoons chopped fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°. Spray rectangular baking dish, 13x9x2 inches, with cooking spray. Cook and drain pasta shells as directed on package.
  • While shells are cooking, melt margarine in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook onion and bell pepper in margarine 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender. Stir in asparagus. Cover and cook 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until asparagus is crisp-tender; remove from heat. Stir in shrimp, crabmeat, 1/2 cup of the pasta sauce and half of the basil.
  • Spread about 1/4 cup of the remaining sauce over bottom of baking dish. Fill each cooked pasta shell with about 2 tablespoons of the seafood mixture. Arrange in dish. Spoon remaining sauce over shells. Sprinkle each filled shell with Parmesan cheese and remaining basil. Bake uncovered 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 505, Carbohydrate 31 g, Cholesterol 190 mg, Fat 4, Fiber 2 g, Protein 28 g, SaturatedFat 18 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 660 mg

TACO STUFFED PASTA SHELLS



Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells image

Here's a kid-friendly dish so flavorful and fun, nobody is likely to guess that it's also lower in fat. It's a great family supper for busy weeknights! -Anne Thomsen, Westchester, Ohio

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

18 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
2 teaspoons chili powder
3 ounces fat-free cream cheese, cubed
1 bottle (16 ounces) taco sauce, divided
3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend, divided
20 baked tortilla chip scoops, coarsely crushed

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water; drain again., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook and crumble beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink, 6-8 minutes. Stir in chili powder, cream cheese and 1/2 cup taco sauce until blended. Stir in 1/4 cup shredded cheese., Spoon about 2 tablespoons filling into each shell. Place in an 11x7-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with remaining taco sauce., Bake, covered, until heated through, 20-25 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese; bake, uncovered, until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chips., Freeze option: Cool unbaked casserole; cover and freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Cover casserole with foil; bake as directed, increasing time as necessary to heat through and for a thermometer inserted in center to read 165°. Top with cheese and chips as directed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 384 calories, Fat 13g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 67mg cholesterol, Sodium 665mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 33g protein.

SPINACH AND CHEESE STUFFED PASTA SHELLS



Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells image

Magnificent jumbo pasta shells stuffed to bursting with cheesy spinach filling.

Provided by KITKATY

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

32 jumbo pasta shells
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fennel seed
2 teaspoons dried basil
4 cloves garlic, minced
salt and pepper to taste
3 ½ cups spaghetti sauce

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to boil, gently place pasta shells in boiling water; bring water back to boil. Cook until noodles are just tender; drain well.
  • Squeeze spinach dry. Combine spinach, ricotta, 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, fennel, basil and garlic in a large mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper; mix well.
  • Spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Fill each pasta shell with the spinach cheese mixture. Arrange the shells, filling side up in the baking dish. Spoon remaining marinara sauce over the shells. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese on top of the shells.
  • Cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven until heated through; about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 702.9 calories, Carbohydrate 94.9 g, Cholesterol 59.4 mg, Fat 21.3 g, Fiber 10.2 g, Protein 33 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, Sodium 1004 mg, Sugar 15.7 g

GIANT STUFFED PASTA SHELLS



Giant Stuffed Pasta Shells image

Yummy and easy shells, stuffed with garlic, thyme, mushrooms, and spinach ricotta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner! Add more cheese or any kind of meat! A lamb/pork mixture is really good; get a nice sear on it and add it to the spinach and mushroom (sans ricotta) maybe some goat cheese? Have fun with it!

Provided by jndeans

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Stuffed Main Dish Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

24 lumaconi pasta shells
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 (8 ounce) package button mushrooms, chopped
3 cloves garlic
1 (10 ounce) bag baby spinach
2 teaspoons ground thyme
salt and ground black pepper, to taste
2 cups ricotta cheese
¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 (28 ounce) jar pasta sauce
¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta shells in boiling water, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir mushrooms and garlic in hot oil until mushrooms are soft, about 7 minutes. Stir spinach and thyme into the mushroom mixture; season with salt and pepper. Cook and stir the mixture until the spinach wilts. Remove the skillet from heat and drain any excess liquid; transfer drained mixture to a large bowl.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Mix ricotta cheese, 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese with the spinach mixture; season again with salt and pepper and stuff into pasta shells.
  • Arrange stuffed shells into a 9x11-inch baking dish. Pour pasta sauce over the shells; top with 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake in preheated oven until the cheese is melted and the shells are hot, about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 433.9 calories, Carbohydrate 51 g, Cholesterol 22.1 mg, Fat 17.6 g, Fiber 6.2 g, Protein 18.6 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Sodium 834.5 mg, Sugar 13.6 g

STUFFED JUMBO PASTA SHELLS



Stuffed Jumbo Pasta Shells image

This is an extremely easy recipe for one of my favorite meatless Italian meals. You can use this as a basis for many other wonderful, delicious meals. Add your own ground Italian sausage right in with the cheese mixture. Choose your own sauce, or any one of the delicious onee on the shelf of your supermarket. You'll love this, and your own touches will make it special! Note**: Add the salt to the water in which you will cook the pasta only AFTER the water has come to a boil. If you add it to the water before it boils, it will hinder the boiling process.

Provided by FLUFFSTER

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h35m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 lbs ricotta cheese (you may use cottage cheese, same amount)
1/2 lb mozzarella cheese, grated
2 eggs
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 -2 tablespoon dried Italian spices (to taste)
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped, extra for garnish, if desired
fresh basil, torn into small pieces, if desired
16 ounces jumbo pasta shells

Steps:

  • Prepare shells by adding them to a large pot of boiling, salted water** for approximately 15 minutes. They will cook more when you place them in the oven, so don't over cook them).Drain, but don't rinse.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Prepare cheese filling:.
  • Beat the eggs; add ricotta, Mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese; mix in seasonings, including fresh basil if using.
  • Using a large casserole dish, beginning with sauce, layer the cheese-filled shells, then more sauce, ending with the sauce.
  • Bake 45 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the casserole is heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1080.3, Fat 50, SaturatedFat 29.6, Cholesterol 277.6, Sodium 779.1, Carbohydrate 94.1, Fiber 3.7, Sugar 3.5, Protein 61

STUFFED PASTA BAKE BOLOGNESE



Stuffed pasta bake bolognese image

Combine two favourites - bolognese and stuffed pasta shells - to make the ultimate pasta bake. Serve bubbling from the oven for true comfort food

Provided by Good Food team

Categories     Dinner, Main course, Pasta

Time 2h30m

Number Of Ingredients 18

250g large pasta shells or conchiglioni
200g mascarpone
2 x 125g balls mozzarella , drained and finely chopped
large bunch basil , roughly chopped, plus a few whole leaves to serve
3 garlic cloves , crushed
parmesan , to serve
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion , finely diced
1 celery stick , finely diced
1 carrot , finely diced
400g beef mince
2 garlic cloves , crushed
250ml red wine
1 tbsp tomato purée
3 bay leaves
2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
pinch of sugar
1-2 tsp balsamic vinegar

Steps:

  • To make the bolognese, heat the oil in a wide ovenproof pan over a medium heat. Fry the onion, celery and carrot with some seasoning for 20 mins until soft and lightly golden. Tip in the beef mince, turn up the heat and fry, stirring regularly, for another 10 mins until the mince browns. Add the garlic, fry for a minute, then pour in the wine and bubble for a few mins more, scraping the pan to release any bits. Stir through the purée, bay leaves and tomatoes, with a canful of water. Simmer for 1½ hrs, covered for the first hour, then remove the lid and bubble until the tomatoes have broken down. Season with salt, pepper, the sugar and balsamic vinegar.
  • Tip the pasta shells into a large heatproof bowl with a pinch of salt, and pour over a kettle of boiled water. Cover and leave to soften for 15-20 mins - they need to retain some firmness so you can fill them.
  • Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 4 and drain the pasta. Use a fork to mash the mascarpone with the mozzarella, chopped basil, garlic and some black pepper in a bowl.
  • The bolognese should be a little wetter than you'd like as the pasta shells will absorb some of the liquid as it bakes. Remove from the heat, giving it a final stir. Using a teaspoon, fill the pasta shells with some of the mascarpone mixture, pressing the mix in with your index finger. Nestle the shells into the sauce, filled-side up. Bake for 20-30 mins until the top is golden and bubbling, and the pasta is tender. Grate over some parmesan and finish with a few basil leaves.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 630 calories, Fat 37 grams fat, SaturatedFat 21 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 34 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 10 grams sugar, Fiber 4 grams fiber, Protein 30 grams protein, Sodium 0.7 milligram of sodium

Tips:

  • Use the right pasta shells. Jumbo pasta shells are the most popular option for stuffed shells, but you can also use medium or large shells. Be sure to choose a pasta that is sturdy enough to hold its shape when cooked.
  • Cook the pasta shells al dente. This means that the pasta should be cooked through but still slightly firm. If you overcook the pasta, it will become too soft and mushy.
  • Don't overcrowd the pot. When cooking the pasta shells, be sure to use a large pot so that the shells have plenty of room to move around. If you overcrowd the pot, the shells will stick together and become difficult to stuff.
  • Let the pasta shells cool before stuffing. Once the pasta shells are cooked, drain them well and let them cool for a few minutes before stuffing. This will help prevent the filling from becoming too hot and soggy.
  • Use a variety of fillings. The possibilities for stuffed pasta shells are endless. You can use a simple ricotta cheese filling, or you can get creative and use a variety of meats, vegetables, and cheeses. Experiment with different flavors and textures to find your favorite filling.
  • Bake the stuffed pasta shells until golden brown. Once the pasta shells are stuffed, bake them in a preheated oven until they are golden brown and bubbly. This will help to seal in the flavors and create a delicious crust.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs. Before serving, garnish the stuffed pasta shells with fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or thyme. This will add a pop of color and flavor to the dish.

Conclusion:

Stuffed pasta shells are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a little creativity, you can create your own unique stuffed pasta shells that are sure to impress your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give stuffed pasta shells a try. You won't be disappointed!

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