Stuffed Shells III
This recipe is a hit wherever you go. It is a very rich and cheesy meal and looks like a deep-dish pizza when done. I altered what I was originally given because I did not like cottage cheese and added other ingredients that I thought it deserved.
This recipe is a hit wherever you go. It is a very rich and cheesy meal and looks like a deep-dish pizza when done. I altered what I was originally given because I did not like cottage cheese and added other ingredients that I thought it deserved.
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 (12 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells
- 1 (32 ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 8 ounces grated parmesan cheese divided
- 1 (28 ounce) jar pasta sauce
- 8 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms
- Carbohydrate 31.4336719482255 g
- Cholesterol 489.879759424 mg
- Fat 138.008657470401 g
- Fiber 3.31579517653644 g
- Protein 204.856173747082 g
- Saturated Fat 85.2354742601822 g
- Serving Size 1 1 9x13-inch dish (911g)
- Sodium 6294.55291181242 mg
- Sugar 28.117876771689 g
- Trans Fat 8.10209658179723 g
- Calories 2189 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
- In a large bowl, mix eggs, ricotta, half the mozzarella, half the Parmesan, parsley, salt and pepper until well combined.
- Stuff cooked shells with ricotta mixture and place in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, stir together pasta sauce, mushrooms and reserved mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Pour over stuffed shells.
- Bake in preheated oven 45 to 60 minutes, until edges are bubbly and shells are slightly set.
My Go-To Comfort Food: Stuffed Shells
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework help, and the never-ending cycle of laundry. But even amidst the chaos, I crave a warm, comforting meal that nourishes both my body and my soul. That's where my trusty stuffed shells recipe comes in. This isn't just any pasta dish; it's a culinary hug in a baking dish, a taste of home that always hits the spot.
This recipe, a slight variation of a family favorite, is incredibly versatile and adaptable to whatever ingredients I have on hand. The base remains the same: plump jumbo pasta shells generously filled with a creamy ricotta mixture and baked in a rich tomato sauce. But the additions? Those are where the fun begins! Sometimes I add spinach for a boost of greens, other times I'll throw in some diced bell peppers for a touch of sweetness. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity; it's a blank canvas onto which you can paint your culinary imagination.
The Ricotta Filling: A Creamy Dream
The heart of this recipe is the ricotta filling. It's the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness. I use a combination of fresh ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese – a harmonious trio that creates an unbelievably rich and satisfying texture. The addition of fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness, while salt and pepper season everything perfectly. I find that using freshly grated parmesan cheese makes all the difference; it adds a depth of flavor that you just can't replicate with pre-grated cheese.
The Sauce: A Symphony of Flavors
The sauce is just as important as the filling. I typically use a high-quality jarred pasta sauce, but feel free to whip up your own if you have the time. The addition of sautéed mushrooms adds an earthy depth to the sauce, complementing the richness of the cheese perfectly. This is where you can really let your creativity shine. Add some sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, or even a touch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
The Baking Process: A Culinary Transformation
Baking the stuffed shells transforms the dish into something truly magical. As the shells bake, they become wonderfully tender, the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden-brown crust, and the aroma that fills the kitchen is intoxicating. It's a truly comforting and satisfying experience, from the first bite to the last.
More than just a meal
For me, this dish represents more than just a recipe; it's a connection to my family and a reminder of simpler times. It's a dish that evokes feelings of warmth, comfort, and togetherness. It's the kind of meal that brings people together, whether it's a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. It's a true testament to the power of simple ingredients and a little bit of love. And remember, feel free to adapt and experiment; make it your own!
