Cheesy Stuffed Shells Delight
Ingredients:
- 1 box jumbo shells
- 2 cups spaghetti sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
- 3 garlic cloves, pressed
Instructions:
- Prepare Jumbo Shells:
- Cook the jumbo shells according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Cheese Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and pressed garlic cloves. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Stuff the Shells:
- Using an ice cream scoop or a spoon, fill each jumbo shell with the cheese mixture.
- Assemble in Baking Dish:
- Spread a thin layer of spaghetti sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish on top of the sauce.
- Top with Mozzarella:
- Generously cover the stuffed shells with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake Covered:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and Bake:
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the shells are slightly golden.
- Serve:
- Allow the stuffed shells to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Optionally, garnish with additional fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Cheesy Stuffed Shells Delight:
Q1: Can I prepare the Cheesy Stuffed Shells Delight in advance? A1: Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly if the shells are cold from the refrigerator.
Q2: Can I freeze the stuffed shells for later use? A2: Yes, you can freeze the stuffed shells before baking. Place the assembled shells in a freezer-friendly dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the baking instructions.
Q3: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe? A3: While jumbo shells work well for this recipe, you can experiment with other large pasta shapes like manicotti or large pasta shells. Ensure they are cooked according to the package instructions before stuffing.
Q4: What can I serve with Cheesy Stuffed Shells Delight? A4: This dish pairs well with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. A light tomato salad or a side of sautéed spinach would complement the flavors nicely.
Q5: Can I use a different type of cheese in the filling? A5: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, you can customize the filling with other cheeses like cottage cheese, fontina, or provolone to suit your taste preferences.
Q6: How can I make the dish more spicy? A6: If you prefer a bit of heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture or incorporate a spicy marinara sauce. Adjust the quantity based on your desired level of spiciness.
Q7: Can I make this recipe vegetarian? A7: Yes, the recipe is already vegetarian. However, if you want to make it vegan, you can explore plant-based alternatives for the cheeses and use an egg substitute in the filling.
Q8: What is the best way to reheat leftovers? A8: To reheat leftovers, place the desired number of shells in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake in a preheated oven until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Q9: Can I add meat to the filling? A9: Certainly! If you want to incorporate meat, consider adding cooked ground sausage, beef, or shredded chicken to the cheese mixture for a meaty variation.
Q10: How long will the leftovers stay fresh in the refrigerator? A10: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to reheat thoroughly before consuming
