Andy Montoya
Stuffed shells are a classic Italian dish that is both hearty and elegant, yet easy to make. They are made with jumbo pasta shells that are stuffed with cheese and baked in a tomato or white sauce. While there are many variations of the recipe, most include mozzarella cheese in the filling or as a topping. In this article, we will explore the different recipes for stuffed shells and answer the question of whether mozzarella cheese is typically used in this dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Comfort food, classic Italian recipe |
| Main ingredients | Pasta shells, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, marinara sauce, parsley, salt, black pepper |
| Additional ingredients | Italian seasoning, meat sauce, basil, oregano, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, garlic, pecorino cheese, spinach, bechamel sauce, white sauce, tomato sauce, meat, vegetables |
| Nutritional information | Calories: 414kcal, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 26g, Fat: 21g, Saturated Fat: 13g, Cholesterol: 101mg, Sodium: 1298mg, Potassium: 605mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 1270IU, Vitamin C: 9mg, Calcium: 462mg, Iron: 2mg |
| Baking instructions | Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan are the classic combination of cheeses used
Stuffed shells are a classic Italian dish that is both hearty and elegant. While recipes vary, the traditional filling includes a combination of mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan cheeses. This trio of cheeses is a classic for a reason—it offers a balance of flavours and textures that is simply irresistible.
Mozzarella, a semi-soft Italian cheese, is known for its stretchy, melty texture and mild, creamy flavour. When used in stuffed shells, it provides a delightful gooeyness and indulgent mouthfeel. The ricotta, on the other hand, brings a creamy, smooth texture and a subtle tanginess to the dish. Made from whey, this soft cheese lightens the blend and ensures the filling is luxuriously velvety. The parmesan, a hard, aged cheese, contributes a sharp, salty flavour that enhances the overall taste profile. It also adds a certain nuttiness and depth of flavour to the filling.
When combined, these three cheeses create a harmonious blend that is neither too rich nor too mild. The stuffed shells are then baked, resulting in a golden, bubbly dish that is comfort food at its finest. The shells are typically filled with the cheese mixture and baked in a marinara sauce, adding a tangy, zesty note to the dish. Some recipes also incorporate meat sauce, eggs, and various seasonings to create a truly decadent meal.
The beauty of this dish lies not only in its taste but also in its simplicity. It is easy to prepare, making it a favourite for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The stuffed shells can be made ahead of time and frozen for future meals, and they are versatile enough to accommodate different ingredients and flavours. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, stuffed shells are always a crowd-pleaser, taking the dining experience to a whole new level of deliciousness.
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The shells are stuffed with a creamy blend of spinach and ricotta
Stuffed shells are a classic Italian dish, perfect for feeding a crowd. They are a fun and less fussy alternative to lasagne, with a similar hearty, comforting feel. The shells are stuffed with a creamy blend of spinach and ricotta, along with other cheeses, such as mozzarella and parmesan, and baked in a tomato-based sauce. The result is a golden, cheesy dish that is hard to resist!
The shells themselves are usually jumbo-sized, as smaller shells are too hard to stuff. The pasta is boiled until al dente, or even a little less, as it will continue to cook in the oven. The ricotta filling is made by mixing the cheese with spinach and other ingredients, such as lemon zest, oregano, garlic, and egg. This creamy blend is then stuffed into the shells.
The stuffed shells are placed in a baking dish, covered with a tomato or marinara sauce, and sprinkled with more cheese. They are then baked until the cheese is melted and golden. This simple dish is a crowd-pleaser and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining or a busy weeknight meal.
Some variations on the recipe include adding meat to the filling or using different types of cheese, such as cheddar or cottage cheese. The recipe can also be adapted to personal taste, with different herbs and seasonings added to the filling. The shells can be served with garlic bread or a crisp green salad, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
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The stuffed shells are baked in a marinara sauce
Stuffed shells are a classic Italian dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd. They are easy to make, hearty, and elegant-looking. The stuffed shells are baked in a marinara sauce, which adds a tangy accent to the dish.
To make the stuffed shells, you will need jumbo pasta shells, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, an egg, parmesan cheese, marinara sauce, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Start by boiling the pasta shells until they are al dente. While the shells are cooking, prepare the filling by mixing together the ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, egg, and seasonings in a large bowl.
Once the shells are cooked, stuff them with the cheese mixture using a spoon or a piping bag. Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish coated with cooking spray. Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the pan, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Cover the dish with foil and bake the stuffed shells at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starting to brown. The stuffed shells should be bubbly, gooey, and golden when done.
You can serve the stuffed shells with garlic bread or a crisp green salad. This dish is perfect for a comfort food classic and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
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The recipe is simple and easy to make
Stuffed shells are a simple and easy dish to make. They are a fun and less fussy alternative to lasagna, and a great option for feeding a crowd. The recipe is versatile, allowing for vegetarian or meat-based fillings, and can be made ahead of time.
To make stuffed shells, you will need jumbo pasta shells, cheese, seasoning, eggs, and tomato or white sauce. The shells are boiled until al dente, then stuffed with a mixture of cheese, eggs, seasoning, and, optionally, meat and vegetables. The stuffed shells are then baked in the oven in a layer of tomato or white sauce until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For the cheese filling, a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan is commonly used, though other cheeses such as pecorino Romano, cheddar, or cottage cheese can also be added. The mozzarella is often divided, with half of it mixed into the filling and the other half sprinkled on top of the shells before baking, as it melts well. The eggs act as a binder for the filling, though they can be omitted if preferred.
The seasoning used in the filling can include Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, basil, and red pepper flakes. Fresh spinach is also a popular addition, providing colour and extra flavour. It is important to squeeze out the excess moisture from the spinach before adding it to the filling to avoid a runny consistency.
Stuffed shells are a versatile dish that can be adapted to personal preferences and dietary needs. They are a simple and easy option for a hearty and comforting meal that can be made ahead of time and enjoyed by all.
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It is a classic Italian recipe commonly served during holidays
Stuffed shells are a classic Italian recipe commonly served during holidays. They are made with jumbo shell pasta, filled with cheese, and baked in a red or white sauce. The shells are first boiled until al dente, then stuffed with a mixture of cheeses, such as ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, along with seasonings and an egg. The stuffed shells are then baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
This classic dish is a comforting and elegant meal that is perfect for feeding a crowd. It is often served during holidays and special occasions in the United States and is a traditional Sunday lunch or dinner in Italy and Sicily. The recipe is quite simple and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a convenient choice for entertaining.
The combination of cheeses used in stuffed shells can vary, but mozzarella is a common ingredient that adds a creamy texture and melt-in-your-mouth quality to the dish. Some recipes call for just mozzarella and ricotta, while others include parmesan, pecorino Romano, or Italian cheese blends. The shells are often topped with additional mozzarella before baking, creating a golden and crispy top layer.
In addition to the cheese, stuffed shells can also be filled with meat, vegetables, or a combination of both. Common meat options include ground beef, Italian sausage, and crab meat. For vegetables, spinach, lemon zest, garlic, and onions are popular choices that add flavour and nutrition to the dish.
The sauce used in stuffed shells can be either red or white, depending on preference. A classic red sauce, such as Pomodoro or marinara, provides a tangy accent to the cheesy shells. Alternatively, a white sauce, such as bechamel or alfredo, can be used for a richer, more indulgent dish.
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Frequently asked questions
Stuffed shells typically use a combination of mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan. However, some recipes may include pecorino Romano, cheddar, or cottage cheese.
In addition to cheese, stuffed shells are commonly filled with meat, spinach, eggs, and Italian seasoning. The shells are then baked in a tomato-based sauce, such as marinara or pomodoro, and topped with more cheese.
Yes, stuffed shells can be made vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding more cheese, such as fresh mozzarella cubes, to the filling.
