Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe Made with Minimal Ingredients

Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe: Comfort Food Made Easy 🧀🍝✨

1. Introduction

Looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen? This baked stuffed shells recipe is your answer! Made with minimal ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. The combination of tender pasta shells, creamy ricotta filling, and tangy marinara sauce creates a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds. This easy baked stuffed shells recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and you’ll love how simple it is to prepare. If you’re looking for another easy dinner, check out this easy chicken pasta bake recipe. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, this simple stuffed shells recipe will become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the details of making this delicious dish, ensuring you can enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal with minimal effort.

2. What Makes This Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe Special?

This baked stuffed shells recipe stands out for its simplicity and deliciousness. Unlike many recipes that require numerous ingredients and complicated steps, this version focuses on using key components to maximize flavor with minimal effort. The beauty lies in the quality of the ingredients and the straightforward preparation method, making it an accessible option for anyone wanting a homemade meal without the fuss. Maybe you’d like to try this minimal ingredient beef enchilada casserole. Using a rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta shells ensures that every bite is filled with satisfying textures and flavors. This recipe is also highly adaptable, allowing you to customize it with your favorite herbs, spices, or even add meat for a heartier version. The goal is to create a dish that is both comforting and easy to make, solidifying its place as a go-to meal for any occasion.

3. Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this delightful baked stuffed shells recipe, you will only need a handful of essential ingredients. Before we get into the list, have you seen this quick easy sausage and rice recipe?

• 1 box (12 oz) jumbo pasta shells
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 24 oz jar of your favorite marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

These simple ingredients come together to form a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to impress. Opting for good quality cheese and sauce can significantly enhance the overall taste of your stuffed pasta shells minimal ingredients recipe. For another cheesy delight, check out this chicken alfredo casserole recipe.

4. Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these straightforward steps to create the perfect easy baked stuffed shells. If you are looking for more inspiration, you can find a similar recipe here:

1. Prepare the Pasta and Filling

Begin by cooking the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions until al dente. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. This creates a creamy and flavorful base for your simple stuffed shells recipe. Have you tried this effortless chicken and stuffing bake?

2. Stuff the Shells

Once the pasta shells are cooked and slightly cooled, gently stuff each shell with the ricotta cheese mixture. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for this step, depending on your preference. Ensure each shell is generously filled to create a rich and satisfying bite in your baked stuffed shells recipe. For another simple recipe, you might enjoy this simple stuffed chicken recipe.

3. Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer over the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese. This layering ensures that every shell is coated in delicious sauce and cheese, enhancing the overall flavor of your easy baked stuffed shells. If you’re a fan of stuffed dishes, this stuffed chicken breast recipe is worth a try!

4. Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is heated through. The goal is to achieve a golden-brown, cheesy topping while ensuring the shells are tender and the filling is hot. Let it sit for few minutes before serving your delightful baked stuffed shells recipe. For another easy and tasty recipe, check out this quick boneless chicken breast recipe.

5. Tips and Tricks for the Best Stuffed Shells

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked pasta can become mushy.
• Flavorful Filling: For an extra burst of flavor, add a clove of minced garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta cheese mixture.
• High-Quality Sauce: Using a good quality marinara sauce can make a significant difference in the overall taste of the dish.
• Even Baking: Covering the dish with foil for the first part of baking helps to keep the shells moist and prevents the cheese from burning.
• Rest Time: Allow the baked stuffed shells recipe to sit for a few minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set and makes serving easier. If you’re looking for a sauce to put over another dish, chicken diane sauce is a winner.

6. Variations to Try

One of the great things about this baked stuffed shells recipe is its versatility. Here are a few variations to try:

• Meat Lovers: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken to the ricotta cheese mixture for a heartier dish.
• Vegetarian Delight: Incorporate chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms into the filling for added nutrients and flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinara sauce for a spicy twist.
• Cheesy Heaven: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, fontina, or mozzarella, to create a unique flavor profile.

These variations allow you to tailor this simple stuffed shells recipe to your personal preferences and dietary needs. For a completely different type of recipe, have you tried chicken cobbler with Red Lobster biscuit mix?

7. Serving Suggestions

This easy baked stuffed shells recipe is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with a variety of side dishes:

• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up the delicious marinara sauce.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers make a healthy and flavorful side dish.

8. Storage and Reheating Instructions

To store leftover baked stuffed shells recipe, allow the dish to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover shells in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

9. Conclusion

This baked stuffed shells recipe made with minimal ingredients is a fantastic option for a quick, easy, and comforting meal. Its simplicity and delicious taste make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this stuffed pasta shells minimal ingredients recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the process of creating this delightful dish and savor every bite!

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