Italian Seashells
Creamy and cheesy Italian seashell pasta combines hearty hamburger, mushrooms, and rich tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the seashell macaroni for 7 minutes. Drain and rinse in cold water.
- Cook the hamburger and drain off the grease.
- Mix the cooked noodles, hamburger, cottage cheese, shredded Cheddar cheese, spaghetti sauce, and mushrooms in a large mixing bowl.
- Butter a large 9 x 15 1/2-inch baking dish.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared dish.
- Top with shredded Mozzarella cheese.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamy texture, consider substituting ricotta cheese for the cottage cheese. If you're looking to add more flavor, sauté some garlic and onions with the hamburger. You can also use a mix of cheeses such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for added kick. If you're short on time, use store-bought spaghetti sauce like Rich Spaghetti Sauce for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Italian Seashells dish with a fresh garden salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a delightful touch. For a wine pairing, a light red like Chianti complements the flavors beautifully. This dish also pairs well with other Italian recipes like Meatballs Parmesan for a hearty feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave portions, covered, in short intervals until warm, ensuring even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Seashells contains roughly 627 calories, with 42g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (84% of the Daily Value), calcium (71% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1220mg per serving (53% 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 this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to substitute seashell macaroni with other pasta shapes like penne or rotini. Different shapes will hold the sauce and cheese well, making for a delicious variation. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this dish freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake until heated through.
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).