Three Cheese Stuffed Shells are the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a chilly day. Picture this: giant pasta shells, plump and waiting to be filled with creamy ricotta, savory mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan. As they bake in the oven, the aroma wafts through your kitchen, teasing your senses with promises of cheesy goodness. creamy feta tomato pasta Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or looking to impress unsuspecting guests, these stuffed shells are sure to steal the spotlight and make taste buds dance. For more inspiration, check out this cozy pumpkin soup recipe recipe.
I fondly remember the first time I made Three Cheese Stuffed Shells. It was my cousin’s wedding, and I thought I’d impress everyone with my newfound cooking skills. Spoiler alert: I did not have it all together that day! However, the look of pure joy on everyone’s faces when they took their first bite made it all worthwhile. Trust me when I say these little pasta wonders can turn any occasion into a cheesy celebration. For more inspiration, check out this rosemary garlic white bean soup recipe.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] Three Cheese Stuffed Shells are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights. The blend of cheeses creates a rich flavor that melts in your mouth. Visually appealing, they look stunning served with marinara sauce and fresh basil. This dish is versatile enough to be customized with different fillings or sauces based on your preferences. [/info_box]
I still chuckle at how my kitchen looked like a cheese factory explosion after that wedding prep session!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Jumbo Pasta Shells: Choose large shells that can hold all that cheesy goodness without breaking apart.
Ricotta Cheese: Opt for whole milk ricotta for extra creaminess; it’s worth every calorie!
Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella gives a delightful stretch when melted; sprinkle some on top for added gooeyness.
Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan for an unbeatable flavor boost; it adds a nutty depth to every bite.
Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious – both work beautifully!
Fresh Basil: Chopped basil adds vibrant flavor and color; it’s like confetti for your pasta!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. beef and broccoli recipe.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grab a baking dish while you wait for it to heat up.
Cook the Pasta Shells: Boil water in a large pot and cook jumbo shells until al dente—around 8-10 minutes. Drain carefully and set aside.
Create the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, mix ricotta, half of the mozzarella, grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and chopped basil until well combined.
Stuff Those Shells!: Take each shell and fill it generously with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Don’t be shy!
Add Marinara Sauce: Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of your baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells on top and cover them with remaining sauce.
Bake to Perfection: Sprinkle remaining mozzarella over the top of the shells and cover with foil. Bake for about 25 minutes, then uncover for another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Now you have an irresistible platter of Three Cheese Stuffed Shells ready to wow friends or family! Your kitchen will smell divine as you serve these cheesy delights straight from the oven. stuffed peppers recipe Enjoy every cheesy bite!
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Three Cheese Stuffed Shells are not just delicious; they’re a cozy hug in a bowl. The blend of cheeses creates a creamy, dreamy filling that’s so satisfying, you’ll want to share but may not want to! They’re perfect for family dinners or impressing friends. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling your pasta shells until al dente. While they cool, combine your cheeses and seasonings. Then, stuff the shells generously and layer them in a baking dish with marinara sauce before baking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out mozzarella for provolone or add spinach for extra nutrition. You can even sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for a spicy kick or use different sauces like pesto.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Three Cheese Stuffed Shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Use fresh herbs like basil for added flavor. Be careful not to overcook your pasta; it should be firm enough to hold the stuffing. A sprinkle of Parmesan before baking adds a delightful crust on top for extra texture. [/info_box]
It was during a family gathering that I first unveiled my Three Cheese Stuffed Shells. The look of utter delight on everyone’s faces as they dug in made me realize this dish was destined to be a favorite! zucchini sweet potato fritters.
FAQ
Can I freeze Three Cheese Stuffed Shells?
Yes, you can freeze stuffed shells before or after baking for up to three months.
What type of cheese is best for stuffing?
A mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan works wonderfully for flavor and texture.
How do I prevent the shells from sticking together?
Toss cooked shells with a bit of olive oil to keep them separated while cooling.
Three Cheese Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Three Cheese Stuffed Shells are a delightful combination of jumbo pasta shells filled with a rich blend of creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan. Baked to perfection with marinara sauce and topped with fresh basil, this dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Easy to prepare and customizable, these stuffed shells are sure to become a favorite at your table.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo shells in boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, half of the mozzarella, grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and chopped basil. Mix until well combined.
- Generously stuff each shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
- Pour half of the marinara sauce into a baking dish and place the stuffed shells on top. Cover with the remaining sauce and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 stuffed shells (approximately 240g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
