Stuffed Shells Supreme: Fluffy Perfection!

Is there anything more comforting than a plate of cheesy, saucy stuffed shells? I’ve always been a huge fan, but for years, I struggled to get the ricotta filling just right. It was either too dense, too dry, or just…blah. But fear not, fellow pasta lovers! I’ve cracked the code to achieving that light-as-air, melt-in-your-mouth filling that will elevate your stuffed shells to a whole new level. Get ready for Stuffed Shells Supreme – guaranteed fluffy every time!

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Shells Recipe

This isn’t just another stuffed shells recipe. It’s a game-changer! Here’s why you’ll be making this recipe again and again:

• The filling is unbelievably fluffy: The secret? Gentle mixing! We’ll show you how to achieve that perfect airy texture.
• It’s surprisingly easy: Despite tasting gourmet, this recipe is very simple to follow, even for beginner cooks.
• Kid-friendly: Who can resist cheesy pasta shells? This is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for the whole family.
• Perfect for meal prep: Stuffed shells are great for making ahead of time. Assemble them and bake them later for a convenient weeknight dinner.
• Easily customizable: This recipe is a great base for adding your favorite veggies or protein!

Gathering Your Ingredients for Stuffed Shells Supreme

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s talk about the stars of the show – the ingredients! We’re aiming for a delightful balance of creamy, cheesy, and slightly sweet flavors, all wrapped up in perfectly cooked pasta. Quality ingredients really do make a difference here, so let’s explore what you’ll need.

Here’s what you need to create these amazing stuffed shells:

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: 24 of these beauties will be the vessels for our delicious filling. Make sure to cook them al dente so they hold their shape well and don’t become mushy during baking.
• Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces of whole milk ricotta cheese is the foundation of our filling. Look for a smooth, creamy ricotta – the fresher, the better! This is what gives the filling its signature creaminess. Low-fat ricotta can be used, but the texture won’t be quite as luxurious.
• Parmesan Cheese: We’re adding ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese for that salty, nutty flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan is always best for the most intense flavor.
• Fresh Basil: ¼ cup of chopped fresh basil brings a bright, herbaceous note to the filling. The aroma alone is worth it! If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use dried, but use only about 1 tablespoon as dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor.
• Egg: One lightly beaten egg acts as a binder for the filling, helping it hold its shape.
• Salt and Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon of each, or to taste. Seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors of all the other ingredients.
• Marinara Sauce: 2 cups of your favorite marinara sauce will coat the shells and add a rich tomato flavor. Whether you choose store-bought or homemade, make sure it’s a sauce you love!
• Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese tops the shells, creating that irresistible melty, bubbly layer. Part-skim or whole milk mozzarella both work well here.

Crafting Your Stuffed Shells: Step-by-Step

Ready to get cooking? Don’t be intimidated! This recipe is all about taking it one step at a time. The key to the amazing fluffy filling? Don’t overmix the ingredients! Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Preheat the oven: Get started by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). This ensures that your stuffed shells will bake evenly and the cheese will melt perfectly.
2. Cook the pasta shells: Cook the jumbo shells according to the package directions, but remember to cook them al dente. This means they should still have a slight bite to them. Overcooked shells will be too soft to stuff. Drain the shells well and let them cool slightly before handling. Tossing them with a little olive oil can help prevent them from sticking together.
3. Prepare the ricotta filling: In a large bowl, gently combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, lightly beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Here’s the secret: mix just until the ingredients are incorporated. Avoid overmixing! Overmixing develops the gluten in the ricotta, resulting in a dense, less appealing filling. Think light and airy!
4. Assemble the stuffed shells: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This creates a flavorful base that will prevent the shells from sticking.
5. Stuff the shells: Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta cheese mixture. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for this. Don’t overstuff the shells, but make sure they are generously filled.
6. Arrange and sauce: Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish, nestling them closely together. Pour the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce over the shells, ensuring they are well coated.
7. Add the cheese and bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauced shells. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
8. Cool and serve: Let the stuffed shells cool slightly before serving. This allows the filling to set and prevents you from burning your mouth!

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shells Every Time

Want to take your stuffed shells to the next level? Here are a few extra tips and tricks:

• Don’t overcook the pasta: This is the most important tip! Overcooked shells will fall apart when you try to stuff them.
• Use high-quality ricotta: The better the ricotta, the better the filling will taste.
• Don’t overmix the filling: We can’t stress this enough! Overmixing is the enemy of fluffy filling.
• Add some vegetables: Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini can be added to the ricotta filling for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Make it ahead of time: Assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta filling or marinara sauce for a little heat.
• If you love Italian dishes, why not check out our recipe for sausage and bell pepper pasta.

What to Serve With Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shells are a hearty and satisfying meal on their own, but they are also delicious served with a variety of side dishes. A simple salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta. Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, are another great option. For something a little more substantial, try serving them with a side of garlic bread or a warm loaf of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. If you want to add some freshness to the meal, why not check out our recipe for golden vegetable rice pilaf.

Your Stuffed Shells Questions Answered (FAQ)

Can I use frozen ricotta cheese?

While you can use frozen ricotta cheese, the texture may be slightly different. Thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before using. Fresh ricotta is always preferred for the best results.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! Stuffed shells are perfect for making ahead. Assemble them completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Can I freeze stuffed shells?

Yes, you can freeze them before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the shells, place them in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. To freeze after baking, let the shells cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Can I use a different kind of cheese?

While ricotta is the traditional cheese for stuffed shells, you can experiment with other cheeses. A mixture of ricotta and mozzarella or provolone can be delicious. Just make sure the cheese is soft enough to mix easily and spread into the shells.

My filling is too dry. What did I do wrong?

If your filling is too dry, you may have overmixed it or used ricotta that wasn’t fresh enough. Try adding a tablespoon or two of milk or cream to the filling to moisten it. Also, be sure to use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest results.

Enjoy Your Homemade Stuffed Shells!

There you have it – a guaranteed recipe for Stuffed Shells Supreme with a fluffy, delicious filling that will impress everyone at your table! This is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a truly comforting and satisfying dish. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out! And if you loved this, why not share it with your friends and family?