Pasta Shells
Creamy pasta shells stuffed with mozzarella and ricotta cheeses, topped with a savory meat sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the meat in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Add the Prego sauce to the cooked meat and simmer.
- Cook the pasta shells in boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- Prepare the stuffing by mixing ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and the egg.
- Stuff each cooked shell with the cheese mixture and place in a baking dish.
- Pour the meat sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a bit of grated Parmesan cheese to the ricotta mixture. If you're short on time, pre-made meat sauce can be used instead of browning meat. You can also substitute cottage cheese for ricotta for a lighter option. Experiment with adding herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor, similar to what you might find in traditional Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed pasta shells are hearty on their own but pair beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette or garlic bread for a complete meal. You could also serve with a side of Easy Italian Spaghetti for a comforting pasta feast. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stuffed shells in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave individual servings until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Shells contains roughly 818 calories, with 41g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (82% of the Daily Value), calcium (37% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 573mg per serving (25% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells a day in advance. Assemble them in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they heat thoroughly.
What can I use instead of Prego sauce?
If you prefer homemade sauce, you can use a simple marinara or tomato sauce. Alternatively, a meat sauce made from scratch will also work well. Just ensure it's seasoned to suit your taste, as the sauce plays a crucial role in the overall flavor of the dish.
Can I freeze the stuffed shells?
Absolutely! After assembling the stuffed shells, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding additional cooking time 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).