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+ servings
Stuffed Shells

Irresistible Stuffed Shells: A Cozy Holiday Delight

Enjoy the warmth of Stuffed Shells this holiday season, a comforting vegetarian dish filled with cheesy goodness.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Shells
  • 12 pieces Jumbo Pasta Shells
For the Filling
  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese can substitute with dairy-free ricotta
  • 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese shredded
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese grated, optional
  • 1 tsp Nutmeg freshly grated, optional
  • 1 cup Spinach optional, can substitute with kale
For the Sauce
  • 24 oz Marinara Sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 medium Onion finely chopped
  • 2 tsp Italian Herbs fresh or dried
  • 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes optional

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Saucepan
  • baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Once done, carefully drain and rinse the shells under cold water to stop the cooking process. Spread them out on a clean kitchen towel to dry.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, a pinch of nutmeg, and Italian herbs. Mix until well combined, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat a saucepan over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté finely chopped onion and minced garlic until they are fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in your marinara sauce and add extra Italian herbs. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes.
  4. Grab a baking dish and spread a thin layer of the marinara sauce on the bottom. Fill each cooled pasta shell with the cheese mixture and arrange them in the dish.
  5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, top with additional mozzarella cheese, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  6. Once baked, let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish your stuffed shells with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 860mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Consider using a piping bag to fill the shells for neatness. You can also chill the assembled dish before baking for better flavor melding.

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