Four-Cheese Stuffed Shells
Four-Cheese Stuffed Shells are a delightful Italian dish filled with a creamy blend of cottage cheese, ricotta, and blue cheese, topped with a savory tomato sauce. This comforting meal is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, satisfying cheese lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 c 1% low-fat cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 c fat-free ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 c crumbled blue cheese ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten ⓘ
- cooking spray ⓘ
- 2 tsp olive oil ⓘ
- 1 c chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz) can stewed tomatoes, undrained and chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp dried Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp salt ⓘ
- 16 uncooked jumbo pasta shells ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp finely shredded fresh Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, blue cheese, parsley, and egg in a bowl; stir well and set aside.
- Coat a saucepan with cooking spray; add olive oil and place over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until tender.
- Stir in stewed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and salt; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a bit of cream cheese to the cheese mixture. If you're out of blue cheese, feta or goat cheese can be great substitutes. Fresh basil or oregano can replace parsley for a different flavor profile. For a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. This dish is also perfect for meal prep; simply prepare the shells and sauce in advance.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these stuffed shells with a fresh side salad or garlic bread to complement the rich flavors. They pair beautifully with Italian recipes like Eggplant Parmesan or Zucchini Florentine. A light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top before serving adds a delightful touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the shells in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Four-Cheese Stuffed Shells contains roughly 4376 calories, with 20g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 454g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (99% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value), and potassium (46% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2805mg per serving (122% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells and sauce ahead of time. Assemble the dish without baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I serve with Four-Cheese Stuffed Shells?
These stuffed shells pair wonderfully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of garlic bread. For a more substantial meal, serve them alongside Italian Cookies for dessert, creating a well-rounded Italian-themed dinner.
Can I freeze these stuffed shells?
Absolutely! You can freeze stuffed shells either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, just make sure to cover them well with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to eat, bake directly from the freezer, adding about 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).