Stuffed Shells(Big Hit At Parties And Family Gatherings)
Creamy stuffed shells filled with ricotta, mozzarella, and herbs, baked with savory spaghetti sauce. Perfect for family dinners and parties, offering rich flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil 4 quarts of water.
- Cook shells according to package directions.
- Drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each shell with about 2 tablespoons of cheese mixture.
- Stuffed shells are then placed in a baking dish with spaghetti sauce and baked until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or substituting half of the ricotta with cottage cheese. You can also use shredded chicken or turkey in place of ground meat for a lighter option. If you're short on time, pre-made sauces like marinara can speed up the process. Adding garlic powder or Italian seasoning can enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed shells are perfect for gatherings and pair beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread. For a heartier meal, serve alongside Italian Buffet Meatballs. Drizzle with additional spaghetti sauce before serving for added flavor. A sprinkle of fresh basil or extra Parmesan on top adds a nice touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, covered, for about 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Shells(Big Hit At Parties And Family Gatherings) contains roughly 1218 calories, with 79g protein, 161g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (199% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (191% of the Daily Value), and protein (157% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1168mg per serving (51% 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 stuffed shells ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking them straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for ground meat?
You can use shredded rotisserie chicken, Italian sausage, or even a combination of sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option. If you prefer a meatless version, try adding chopped spinach or mushrooms to the cheese filling.
How do I prevent stuffed shells from sticking together?
To prevent sticking, make sure to coat the baking dish with a layer of sauce before placing the stuffed shells. You can also drizzle a little oil over them before baking or separate layers with parchment paper if storing leftovers.
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).