Cheese Lovers Rejoice: Easy Stuffed Shells Recipe That Will Impress Everyone at Dinner!

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a pan of stuffed cheese shells coming out of the oven, bubbling with melted mozzarella and rich sauce. This dish is a favorite in many homes, and it's no surprise why. The combination of jumbo pasta shells, stuffed with creamy ricotta, parmesan, and herbs, all smothered in savory spaghetti sauce, makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you're preparing it for a family dinner or making extra to share, stuffed cheese shells are sure to be a hit.

Why Stuffed Cheese Shells Are Always a Hit

Cheese stuffed shells are like the comfort food that never fails to satisfy. The balance of creamy ricotta filling, savory mozzarella, and the perfect hint of herbs like parsley, basil, and oregano gives each bite a burst of flavor. What's great about this dish is that it’s simple to prepare, yet it feels special enough for a cozy Sunday meal or even for entertaining guests.

These shells are big enough to hold a generous scoop of the cheese mixture, making them hearty and filling. Paired with a simple salad or garlic bread, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s rich, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying.

Recipe: Classic Stuffed Cheese Shells

Ingredients:

• Jumbo pasta shells (boil first, about 12-16 shells depending on the size of your dish)
• 2 cups spaghetti sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• ½ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
• 3 garlic cloves, pressed or finely minced

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, basil, oregano, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it's well mixed and creamy.
2. Cook the Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly so they’re easier to handle.
3. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
4. Assemble the Dish: Spread about 1 cup of spaghetti sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Using an ice cream scoop (or a spoon), stuff each cooked shell with a generous portion of the ricotta mixture. Place the stuffed shells into the baking dish, open side up.
5. Top with Cheese and Sauce: Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the shells, making sure to cover them evenly. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the entire dish.
6. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra parsley or basil if desired, and serve hot with garlic bread or a simple green salad.

Stuffed cheese shells are one of those dishes that you can never go wrong with. It’s rich, satisfying, and customizable too. You can add ground beef, sausage, or even spinach to the filling for a twist. The best part is, it's a dish that feels like home, with its cheesy goodness and flavorful herbs baked into every shell. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for an easy recipe to impress, stuffed cheese shells are a delicious option that’s sure to bring smiles to the dinner table.

Here are some great sources for your stuffed cheese shells recipe:

1. AllRecipes provides a simple and classic take on stuffed shells using ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, paired with a savory tomato sauce. It offers useful tips for making the dish ahead of time and freezing for future meals​(Allrecipes).
2. Natasha's Kitchen offers a step-by-step recipe for ricotta-stuffed shells with tips on making the perfect marinara sauce and using fresh herbs like parsley and basil to enhance the flavors. This source also includes a video for visual guidance​(NatashasKitchen.com).
3. Love From The Oven shares an easy recipe for ricotta-stuffed shells, along with tips on freezing the dish for meal prep. They also highlight the importance of using home-shredded mozzarella for a better melt​(Love From The Oven).
4. Simply Recipes provides a twist by adding lemon zest to the filling, which gives the cheese mixture a fresh, zesty flavor. They also discuss how to properly prepare the sauce and stuffing for a delicious end result​(Simply Recipes).

You can check these sites for detailed recipe instructions and extra tips to elevate your stuffed cheese shells!