Lasagna Stuffed Shells

Introduction:
Combine the best of both worlds with Lasagna Stuffed Shells! These jumbo pasta shells are filled with a rich and cheesy ricotta mixture, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, offering all the comforting flavors of lasagna in a fun and easy-to-serve format. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Comfort food classic: Enjoy the flavors of lasagna in a new and exciting way.
• Easy to prepare: Simple to assemble and bake with minimal effort.
• Family-friendly: A hit with both kids and adults, making dinner time enjoyable.
• Make-ahead: Great for prepping in advance and reheating when needed.

Ingredients:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped, optional)
• 1/2 cup fresh basil (chopped, optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for greasing the dish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

1. Prepare the Cheese Filling:

• In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped spinach, chopped basil (if using), dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

1. Stuff the Shells:

• Spoon the cheese mixture into each cooked pasta shell. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.

1. Add Marinara Sauce and Cheese:

• Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.

1. Bake:

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.

1. Serve:

• Allow the lasagna stuffed shells to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Tips for Success:

• Cooling Pasta: Ensure the pasta shells are cooked al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy after baking.
• Cheese Filling: For a creamier filling, consider adding a bit of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan to the ricotta mixture.
• Assembly: If the shells are too soft or sticky, place them on a lightly oiled baking sheet to cool slightly before stuffing.

Recipe Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Add sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the ricotta mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
• Meat Lover’s: Mix cooked ground beef, sausage, or turkey into the cheese filling for a heartier version.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the marinara sauce for some extra heat.

Serving Suggestions:

• Side Salad: Serve with a crisp green salad or Caesar salad for a complete meal.
• Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread or a baguette for a classic Italian touch.
• Steamed Vegetables: Add a side of steamed or roasted vegetables for extra nutrition.

Freezing and Storage:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the assembled, uncooked stuffed shells in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

Special Equipment:

• Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch dish is ideal for this recipe.
• Mixing Bowls: For preparing the cheese filling.

FAQ:

• Can I use a different type of pasta?
  While jumbo shells are traditional, you can use other pasta shapes like manicotti if you prefer.
• Can I make these shells ahead of time?
  Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells and refrigerate or freeze them until ready to bake.
• Can I use store-bought sauce?
  Absolutely, store-bought marinara sauce works well for convenience. Feel free to use your favorite brand.

Preparation Time:

• 20 minutes for preparing the pasta and cheese filling.

Cook Time:

• 30-35 minutes for baking.

Total Time:

• 50-55 minutes (including prep and cook time).

Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 6 servings):

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 8g

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Closing Notes:
Have you tried making these Lasagna Stuffed Shells? We’d love to hear about your experience! Share your stuffed shell creations in the comments below and tag us on social media with your delicious dishes. Stay tuned for more tasty and comforting recipes!