Italian > Pasta > Stuffed Pasta

Ricotta and Smoked Mozzarella Stuffed Shells Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 box of jumbo pasta shells (12 oz)
- 2 cups of ricotta cheese
- 1 cup of smoked mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 jar of marinara sauce (24 oz)

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish (9x13 inches)
- Spoon
- Oven

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, smoked mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

4. Spoon the cheese mixture into the cooked pasta shells and place them in a baking dish.

5. Pour the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, covering them completely.

6. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Let the stuffed shells cool for a few minutes before serving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 6-8 people.

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 440
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 1070mg
- Sugar: 9g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can substitute the smoked mozzarella cheese with regular mozzarella cheese.
- You can use any type of pasta sauce instead of marinara sauce.

Variations:
- You can add cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken to the cheese mixture for a meaty version.
- You can use different types of cheese, such as fontina or provolone, for a different flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the pasta shells al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use a spoon to fill the pasta shells with the cheese mixture, as it can be messy.
- You can make the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the stuffed shells, place them in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the stuffed shells on a platter with fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish.

Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or basil leaves

Pairings:
- Serve the stuffed shells with a side salad or garlic bread.

Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Garlic bread

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the stuffed shells are too dry, you can add more marinara sauce or a little bit of olive oil before baking.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the pasta shells and meat (if using) to the appropriate temperature to ensure food safety.

Food history:
- Stuffed shells are a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the United States in the 1960s.

Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, cheesy, and savory

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the stuffed shells hot out of the oven with a side salad or garlic bread.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Creamy, Smoky, Cheesy, Savory