Frederic Melton
Stuffed shells are a delicious and easy-to-make Italian dish that can be prepared in several ways. One popular variant is the four-cheese stuffed shells, which combines ricotta, mascarpone, mozzarella, and parmesan. The mascarpone adds a gorgeous creaminess to the dish, making it stand out. The shells are stuffed with the cheese mixture and baked in a creamy sauce with fresh herbs until golden and bubbly. This meatless dish is perfect for weeknight dinners and can be served with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, and extra parmesan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cheeses used | 4 |
| Types of cheese used | Ricotta, Mascarpone, Mozzarella, Parmesan |
| Other ingredients | Eggs, herbs, garlic, salt, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder |
| Type of pasta | Jumbo shells |
| Sauce | Tomato-based, Bechamel, Marinara |
| Cooking method | Baked |
| Oven temperature | 350°F |
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What You'll Learn
Ricotta, mascarpone, and other cheeses
The beauty of stuffed shells is their versatility. While ricotta is the traditional choice, you can modify the cheese mixture based on your preferences and what you have on hand. For instance, if you're not a fan of ricotta, you can replace it with more mascarpone or even cottage cheese. On the other hand, if you're looking for a tangier option, you can mix in some goat cheese.
To make the ultimate cheesy stuffed shells, a blend of four cheeses is often used: ricotta, mascarpone, mozzarella, and parmesan. The key to achieving the perfect creaminess is in the combination of cheeses. By mixing these four varieties, you get a dreamy, creamy result. The ricotta provides structure, while the mascarpone adds creaminess, and the mozzarella and parmesan contribute to the overall flavour and melt factor.
When preparing the filling, you can use a spoon to generously stuff each shell, but for a neater and more efficient method, consider using a piping bag or a zip lock bag with a snipped corner. This technique allows you to stuff more filling into each shell. In addition to the cheeses, the filling often includes eggs, herbs such as basil or parsley, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Once the shells are stuffed, they are placed in a baking dish, smothered with pasta sauce, and covered with aluminium foil before being baked to perfection. The baking process not only cooks the shells but also melts the cheese, creating a mouthwatering, indulgent dish that is perfect for family dinners or leftovers.
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Seasonings and herbs
Salt and Pepper
Salt and pepper are essential seasonings in stuffed shells. They enhance the flavour of the cheese filling and can be adjusted to personal taste preferences. Salt is typically added to the cooking water for the pasta shells, pre-seasoning the noodles and reducing the need for additional salt later in the recipe. Black pepper adds a subtle kick and can be adjusted from a gentle warmth to a more pronounced spiciness.
Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs commonly used in Italian cuisine, such as basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. It adds a depth of flavour to the stuffed shells, evoking the tastes of traditional Italian cooking. This seasoning is especially suitable when paired with a tomato-based sauce or other classic Italian ingredients.
Garlic
Garlic is a staple seasoning in many Italian dishes and can be added to stuffed shells in a variety of ways. Fresh garlic cloves can be sautéed along with onions to create a flavour base for the sauce. Alternatively, garlic powder or granulated garlic can be added directly to the cheese mixture, infusing the filling with a pungent, savoury flavour.
Red Pepper Flakes
Red pepper flakes, also known as crushed red pepper, contribute a subtle heat to the dish. They add a gentle spiciness that complements the creaminess of the cheese filling. The amount of red pepper flakes can be adjusted to control the level of spiciness, creating a subtle warmth or a more pronounced kick.
Fresh Herbs
In addition to dried Italian seasoning, fresh herbs can be incorporated into the dish. Basil is a popular choice, adding a classic Italian flavour profile. Parsley can also be used, offering a fresh, slightly peppery taste. These herbs not only enhance the flavour but also provide a vibrant, colourful garnish for the finished dish.
Other Seasonings
Depending on personal preferences and creativity, other seasonings can be incorporated. Onion powder, dried or fresh chilli flakes, sugar, and lemon zest are some unique additions that can elevate the flavour profile of the stuffed shells. These seasonings can be adjusted to suit individual tastes and create signature variations of the dish.
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Preparing the shells
Once the water is boiling, add the pasta shells. It's important not to overcook them at this stage, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Depending on the size of the shells, they should be cooked for around 7 to 8 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the shells and, according to some sources, rinse them with cold water. Drizzling a little olive oil over the shells at this stage will prevent them from sticking together.
Now it's time to fill the shells. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cheeses—ricotta, mascarpone, mozzarella, and parmesan—along with any herbs, spices, and other ingredients you're using. Mix everything together until it's thoroughly combined. You can then use a spoon to generously stuff each shell with the filling. For a neater and more efficient method, you can use a piping bag or a zip lock bag with a corner snipped off to pipe the filling into the shells. Ensure each shell is filled with the same amount of filling.
Finally, place the stuffed shells into a greased baking dish. You can add a small amount of sauce to the bottom of the dish before adding the shells, and then cover the shells with more sauce and any remaining cheese. The shells are now ready to be baked!
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Filling the shells
First, combine your cheeses in a large bowl. A classic combination is ricotta, mascarpone, mozzarella, and parmesan, but you can also experiment with substitutions and additions, such as goat cheese, cottage cheese, or parmigiano reggiano. Play around with the ratios to find the perfect balance of creamy and tangy.
Next, add your seasonings. Fresh basil, garlic, salt, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder are all popular choices, but feel free to get creative and add your favourite herbs and spices. If you want a kick, add some chilli flakes. You can also add eggs at this stage to help bind the filling together. Mix everything until it's thoroughly combined and adjust the seasoning to taste.
Now it's time to stuff the shells. Use your chosen tool to generously fill each shell, being careful to distribute the filling evenly. Take your time and avoid overstuffing, as this can make the shells difficult to handle. Place the filled shells into a greased baking dish, arranging them so they sit snugly together.
Finally, top the shells with your chosen sauce and any remaining cheese. A simple tomato-based sauce or a creamy bechamel are both delicious options. You can also add some sauce to the bottom of the baking dish before adding the shells for extra flavour and moisture.
Your stuffed shells are now ready to be baked! Follow the recipe's baking instructions for the perfect finish.
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Baking the shells
Once you've stuffed your shells with a delicious blend of cheeses, it's time to bake them to perfection. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect baked shells:
Preparing the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Take a 9x13 baking dish and grease it lightly with butter or oil. Pour your chosen sauce into the dish and spread it evenly across the base. This sauce will not only flavour the shells but also provide moisture to ensure they cook through. Sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese over the sauce for an extra cheesy kick.
Stuffing the Shells
While the oven is preheating, it's time to stuff your shells. In a large mixing bowl, combine your cheeses—ricotta, mascarpone, mozzarella, and parmesan—along with seasonings like Italian seasoning, garlic (powder or fresh), salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix everything together until it forms a creamy, well-combined filling. Generously stuff each shell with this mixture, ensuring they all have an equal amount.
Arrange the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish, opening side up. Cover the shells with the remaining sauce, making sure they are well-coated. Sprinkle more mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top. Cover the dish with aluminium foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for around 30 minutes; the sauce and moisture will cook the shells perfectly.
Final Touches
Once the shells are almost done, remove the foil and continue baking for a few minutes. This step ensures the cheese on top melts beautifully and gets a bit of colour. Keep an eye on it, as you don't want the cheese to burn. When the cheese is melted and golden, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Your stuffed shells are now ready to be devoured! Serve them with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, and extra parmesan cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, mascarpone cheese can be used in stuffed shells. It adds a gorgeous creaminess to the dish.
Other cheeses that can be used include ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, goat cheese, and cottage cheese.
The amount of mascarpone cheese used can vary depending on the recipe and your preference. Some recipes call for 1/4 cup of mascarpone, while others use a combination of mascarpone and other cheeses.
Yes, you can substitute mascarpone with more ricotta, cottage cheese, or another similar cheese.
In addition to the cheese, you will need pasta shells, eggs, herbs, garlic, salt, pepper, and a sauce of your choice. You can also add meat or vegetables, such as spinach, to the filling.
