How to Cook Stuffed Shells in the Oven
Stuffed shells are a classic Italian-American dish that is easy to make and always a crowd pleaser. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook stuffed shells in the oven to perfection.
What You Need
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients and equipment you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 12-15 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Equipment:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining pasta
- Mixing bowls for filling shells
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil for covering dish
- Oven for baking
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the shells in a colander and set them aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix the ingredients together until well combined.
Step 3: Fill the Shells
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the ricotta cheese mixture and mix well. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta cheese mixture, placing them in a 9×13-inch baking dish as you go. You can also use a spoon to help fill the shells if needed.
Step 4: Top with Marinara Sauce and Cheese
Spread the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure to cover the entire surface. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the shells.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil leaves over the top of the shells, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
- To make the dish more substantial, you can add cooked ground beef or sausage to the ricotta cheese mixture.
- You can also add other ingredients to the ricotta cheese mixture, such as chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes.
- If you want to make the dish ahead of time, you can prepare the filling and stuffed shells up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- You can also use a slow cooker to cook the stuffed shells. Simply fill the shells, place them in the slow cooker, and cook on low for 2-3 hours.
Conclusion
Cooking stuffed shells in the oven is a simple and delicious way to prepare a classic Italian-American dish. By following these steps and tips, you can create a dish that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. So go ahead, get creative with your filling, and enjoy the ooey-gooey cheese and pasta combination that is sure to become a family favorite.