Stuffed pasta shells are a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making them a popular dish among pasta enthusiasts. With a variety of fillings to choose from, such as ricotta cheese, spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and ground beef, these versatile pasta shells can cater to various dietary preferences and satisfy even the most discerning palate. The shells are typically topped with a flavorful sauce, melted cheese, or a combination of both, creating a delectable and comforting dish that is perfect for special occasions or casual weeknight dinners.
Let's cook with our recipes!
SPINACH AND CHEESE STUFFED PASTA SHELLS
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
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
STUFFED PASTA SHELLS
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
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 PASTA SHELLS FOR MEAT-LOVERS
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
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.
TACO STUFFED PASTA SHELLS
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
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.
SEAFOOD-STUFFED PASTA SHELLS
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
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
MEXICAN STUFFED PASTA SHELLS
Beef mixture filled pasta shells - a perfect Mexican-style dinner poured with Old El Paso® taco sauce.
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 55m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350° F. Spray 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray. Cook and drain pasta shells as directed on package.
- In 10-inch skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium-high heat 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is brown; drain.
- Stir chili powder, cream cheese and 1/4 cup of the taco sauce into the beef mixture. Heat over medium-low heat 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted. Remove from heat.
- Fill pasta shells with beef mixture, using about 2 tablespoons for each shell. Place filled shells in dish. Pour remaining taco sauce over shells.
- Cover; bake 20 minutes. Remove dish from oven; uncover. Sprinkle cheese and corn chips over shells. Bake about 10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Garnish pasta shells with sour cream and green onions.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 585, Carbohydrate 53 g, Cholesterol 90 mg, Fiber 3 g, Protein 29 g, SaturatedFat 14 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 340 mg
CHEESE AND BACON-STUFFED PASTA SHELLS
A yummy winter warmer! This dish is great served with a crisp green salad and garlic bread.
Provided by Patches
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 1h
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain, and cool.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon, onion, and garlic until bacon starts to crisp and onion and garlic have softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and drain.
- Mix the bread crumbs, cream cheese, parsley, and the bacon mixture in a large bowl; season with pepper to taste.
- Pour the tomato puree into a large, shallow casserole dish; stir in the rosemary.
- Spoon the bacon and breadcrumb mixture equally into the pasta shells. Arrange the stuffed shells in the casserole dish. Coarsely chop the mozzarella and scatter over the pasta shells. Bake in preheated oven until cheese is melted and sauce bubbles, about 30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 684.5 calories, Carbohydrate 64.2 g, Cholesterol 99.6 mg, Fat 35.6 g, Fiber 4.1 g, Protein 25.5 g, SaturatedFat 19.4 g, Sodium 557.9 mg, Sugar 6.7 g
SALMON-STUFFED PASTA SHELLS
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Coat a large baking dish lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add shells and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 9 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons oil in a well-seasoned frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook salmon with onion, garlic, dill, and parsley in the hot oil until it easily flakes with a fork, flipping once, about 10 minutes total. Add white wine and cream cheese. Fold into the fish mixture until everything is well coated. Season with salt and pepper.
- Drain pasta shells. Stuff shells with mixture and place into the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly and heated through, about 20 minutes.
- While the shells are cooking, mix half-and-half, wine, cream cheese, dill, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper together in a saucepan and cook the sauce over medium heat until butter and cream cheese have melted, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Remove shells from the oven and top with cream sauce. Serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 755.7 calories, Carbohydrate 37.6 g, Cholesterol 154 mg, Fat 47.1 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 34.2 g, SaturatedFat 20.8 g, Sodium 311.6 mg, Sugar 2 g
SHRIMP AND RICOTTA STUFFED JUMBO PASTA SHELLS
Found this in a local grocery store flyer. It was delicious and quite easy to make! Crab could be substituted for the shrimp, I think, and I might try that in future.
Provided by Kathleen Constance
Categories < 4 Hours
Time 1h20m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the pasta shells as per the package directions. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid. Cool the pasta shells in cold water and drain well again. Set aside.
- Set 24 of the shrimp aside in a small bowl and refrigerate until needed. Coursely chop the remaining shrimp and place in a medium bowl. Mix in the ricotta, pesto, eggs, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, flour, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F Pour the jar of pasta sauce into a large, wide baking dish; stir in the reserved pasta cooking liquid. Spoon the ricotta/shrimp mixture into the pasta shells and set them on top of the pasta sauce. Set a whole shrimp on top of each shell. Sprinkle the shells with the 1 cup mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 minutes more, or until the tops are golden and the sauce is bubbling.
- Suggested serving size is 4 shells each.
CHEESY BEEF-STUFFED PASTA SHELLS
Make and share this Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells recipe from Food.com.
Provided by ratherbeswimmin
Categories Pasta Shells
Time 1h20m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Prepare macaroni shells according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet until beef is browned.
- Drain excess fat.
- Stir in next 6 ingredients.
- Set aside.
- Combine spaghetti sauce and wine.
- Spoon one-fourth of sauce into a lightly greased oblong baking pan; set aside remaining sauce.
- Stuff macaroni shells with beef mixture, and place in baking dish.
- Spoon remaining sauce over shells.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over shells.
- Bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.
TACO STUFFED PASTA SHELLS
Make and share this Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells recipe from Food.com.
Provided by LMillerRN
Categories Pasta Shells
Time 1h
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- PREHEAT oven to 350°F Cook beef in large skillet until brown; drain. Add seasoning mix and water; cook over low heat for 5 minutes or until thickened. Add beans and 3/4-cup cheese; mix well. Spread 1/4-cup salsa over bottom of each of two 8-inch-square (2-quart) baking dishes.
- FILL pasta shells with beef mixture; place half of shells in each baking dish, filled side up. Spoon remaining salsa over shells. Cover one baking dish with plastic wrap, then wrap with foil. Label and freeze for up to 2 months.
- COVER remaining baking dish with foil. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with green onions and remaining cheese. Serve with sour cream.
- TO BAKE FROZEN SHELLS: Place baking dish in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 375°F Remove plastic wrap; recover with foil. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup sliced green onions and 1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese. Serve with sour cream.
SHRIMP STUFFED JUMBO PASTA SHELLS
Make and share this Shrimp Stuffed Jumbo Pasta Shells recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Chef Songull
Categories Pasta Shells
Time 35m
Yield 24 shells, 8-10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat broiler.
- Melt butter in a 12" skillet.
- Sautee shrimp, mushrooms, and garlic just until the shrimp begins to turn pink (set aside).
- In a saucepan heat sour cream (but do not boil).
- Add to the sour cream the salt, pepper, paprika, and soy sauce and heat for just a minute or two (stirring constantly).
- Remove from heat a add the shrimp mixture.
- Cook pasta shells in boiling water until tender, drain and rinse with cold water until cooled.
- Fill shells with shrimp mixture, top with parmesan cheese.
- Broil until tops are golden brown and bubbling.
CHICKEN SALAD-STUFFED PASTA SHELLS
This is a favorite do-ahead meal for hot summer days. Shells may be stuffed with any chicken, tuna, shrimp, or ham salad. I serve them with green salad, corn on the cob, and/or fruit as side dishes. Best served cold on the day you make it.
Provided by jan&sons
Categories Salad
Time 1h20m
Yield 30
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Stir in pasta shells and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain well. Separate shells quickly so they do not stick together or tear.
- Combine chicken, celery, bell pepper, almonds, green onions, and relish in a large bowl. Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, curry powder, zest, salt, and lemon pepper together; pour over salad and toss.
- Stuff each shell with a portion of the salad, arranging them in a 9x13-inch baking pan as you go. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes or until ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 118.3 calories, Carbohydrate 9.4 g, Cholesterol 15.2 mg, Fat 6.1 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 6.3 g, SaturatedFat 1.2 g, Sodium 66.8 mg, Sugar 0.7 g
CHICKEN STUFFED PASTA SHELLS
"This is a different way to use up leftovers," shares Judy Memo of New Castle, Pennsylvania. A casserole of pasta shells filled with moist stuffing, tender chicken chunks and green peas is covered with an easy sauce.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 45m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the stuffing, chicken, peas and mayonnaise; spoon into pasta shells. Place in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. In a small bowl, combine soup and water; pour over shells. Sprinkle with paprika. , Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with parsley.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 467 calories, Fat 26g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 52mg cholesterol, Sodium 811mg sodium, Carbohydrate 37g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 21g protein.
CHEESEBURGER STUFFED PASTA SHELLS
You could call this a comfort food mashup made in heaven. Jumbo stuffed pasta shells are loaded up with cheeseburger goodness in a dish that will soon become a family favorite. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 50m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
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 beef and onion over medium-high heat until beef is no longer pink, 6-8 minutes, breaking beef into crumbles; drain. Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard and pepper until blended. Stir in 3/4 cup shredded cheese., Spoon about 2 tablespoons filling into each shell. Place in a greased 11x7-in. baking dish. , Bake, covered, until heated through, 12-15 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese; bake, uncovered, until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. If desired, serve with optional toppings., 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°. If desired, serve with optional toppings.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 431 calories, Fat 20g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 99mg cholesterol, Sodium 673mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 33g protein.
SAUSAGE-STUFFED PASTA SHELLS
Italian sausage adds a little spice to a mellow ricotta cheese filling.
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 1h15m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350°F. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Rinse with cool water; drain.
- Meanwhile, in 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink; drain. Stir ricotta cheese and egg into sausage.
- In medium bowl, mix tomato sauce, Italian seasoning and garlic powder. In 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish, spoon 1 cup tomato sauce mixture over bottom. Spoon about 2 tablespoons sausage mixture into each pasta shell. Arrange shells on sauce in baking dish. Spoon remaining sauce over stuffed shells.
- Bake uncovered 30 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake uncovered about 10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 590, Carbohydrate 34 g, Cholesterol 150 mg, Fiber 4 g, Protein 35 g, SaturatedFat 18 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1740 mg, Sugar 8 g, TransFat 1/2 g
TACO STUFFED PASTA SHELLS
I found this recipe in a magazine a couple of years ago and it is a favorite at our house. We love cream cheese so I usually add a bit more than what the recipe calls for. The original recipe says you can double it and freeze one pan for up to 90 days. I haven't tried that but if you do, let me know how it turns out.
Provided by Shermm
Categories Pasta Shells
Time 1h
Yield 5-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- COOK BEEF.
- ADD TACO SEASONING AND PREPARE ACCORDING TO PKG DIRECTIONS.
- ADD CREAM CHEESE.
- COVER AND SIMMER UNTIL CREAM CHEESE IS MELTED.
- YOU CAN CHILL THE MEAT SO YOU CAN STUFF THE SHELLS EASIER.
- POUR SALSA IN THE BOTTOM OF A GREASED 9 X 13 IN PAN.
- WHILE THE HAMBURGER IS COOKING, COOK THE PASTA, DRAIN, TOSS WITH BUTTER.
- FILL EACH SHELL.
- PLACE IN BOTTOM OF PAN AND TOP WITH TACO SAUCE.
- COVER AND BAKE AT 350 FOR 30 MINUTES.
- UNCOVER,SPRINKLE WITH CHEESES AND CHIPS.
- BAKE 15 MINUTES LONGER OR UNTIL HEATED THROUGH.
- SERVE WITH SOUR CREAM, MORE SALSA, OR WHATEVER ELSE YOU THINK GOES GOOD WITH TACOS.
STUFFED PASTA SHELLS (RECIPE MAKEOVER)
Family-favorite Stuffed Pasta Shells is a perfect makeover recipe candidate. You don't need the 44 grams of fat that the original recipe contains for it to taste great-especially after sampling this lighter version. It has great flavor the whole family will enjoy. Try it yourself and you'll agree!
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 55m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350°F. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package, omitting salt.
- Meanwhile, in 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook turkey, Italian seasoning, fennel, salt and pepper over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until turkey is no longer pink; remove turkey mixture from skillet.
- In same skillet, cook mushrooms, onion and garlic over medium heat 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender. Stir turkey mixture, cottage cheese and egg product into mushroom mixture.
- Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Spoon about 1 tablespoon turkey mixture into each pasta shell. Place in baking dish. Spoon pasta sauce over shells.
- Cover with foil. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until hot. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 340, Carbohydrate 46 g, Cholesterol 45 mg, Fiber 6 g, Protein 32 g, SaturatedFat 1 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 900 mg, Sugar 13 g, TransFat 0 g
BAKED SAUSAGE-STUFFED JUMBO PASTA SHELLS
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
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.
TOFU-STUFFED PASTA SHELLS
Your gang won't even miss the meat in this hearty pasta dish from Jenni Dise. The Phoenix, Arizona reader jazzes up tofu with cheese, spinach and garlic for unbeatable flavor. Accented with a hint of red wine, an easy tomato sauce completes the entree.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h
Yield 5 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cook pasta shells according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a blender, combine the tofu, 2 tablespoons Romano cheese and garlic; cover and process until smooth. (Add 1 tablespoon water if mixture is too thick.) Add spinach; process until blended. Drain shells; stuff with tofu mixture., In a small bowl, combine the tomatoes, tomato sauce and wine. Spread about 1/2 cup sauce in an 11x7-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Arrange stuffed shells over sauce. Top with remaining sauce. , Cover and bake at 350° for 25 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with mozzarella and remaining Romano cheese. Bake 8-10 minutes longer or until shells are heated through and cheese is melted.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 262 calories, Fat 5g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 754mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
Tips:
- Prep the Pasta Shells: Before getting started, cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Cook "al dente" for a perfect texture. Drain and rinse them under cold water to stop further cooking and prevent sticking.
- Choose Your Filling: The possibilities are endless when it comes to fillings. Whether you prefer classic ricotta and spinach, savory meat-based fillings, or a combination of ingredients, make sure to season it well for maximum flavor.
- Stuffing Technique: Use a spoon or piping bag to fill the pasta shells. Be gentle to avoid tearing the shells. Alternatively, you can stuff them by hand, taking care not to overfill them.
- Sauce Selection: The sauce is crucial for bringing the stuffed pasta shells together. Choose a sauce that complements your filling. Marinara, Alfredo, pesto, or a simple butter and garlic sauce are all great options.
- Baking: Place the stuffed pasta shells in a baking dish and cover them with your chosen sauce. Bake in a preheated oven until the shells are heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, or basil over the stuffed pasta shells. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Conclusion:
Stuffed pasta shells are a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed for various occasions. Experiment with different fillings, sauces, and toppings to create unique and flavorful variations. Whether you prefer classic Italian flavors or explore new culinary combinations, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients, get creative, and indulge in the joy of cooking stuffed pasta shells.
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