Golden Baked Stuffed Shells
A delightful Italian-American dish, perfect for family gatherings and holiday dinners. These stuffed shells are filled with a creamy cheese mixture and baked in a rich tomato sauce.
Equipment
- 1 9x13-inch baking dish
- 1 Large pot for boiling pasta
- 1 Mixing Bowl large
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 box 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
Cheese Filling
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
Sauce and Topping
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, basil, parsley, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Fill each pasta shell with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture. Place the stuffed shells in a single layer in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle with additional mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Serving
- Let the stuffed shells cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra basil if desired.
Storage
- Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Notes
Pro Tips: Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. Do not overcook the pasta shells, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use cottage cheese in place of ricotta if desired.
How to Serve: Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
Storage & Freshness: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use cottage cheese in place of ricotta if desired.
How to Serve: Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
Storage & Freshness: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.