Description
Indulge in Baked Stuffed Shells in Velvety Cream Sauce, where every bite offers a creamy, comforting experience. This delightful dish combines tender pasta shells filled with a rich and flavorful mixture, all enveloped in a luscious cream sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
Scale
Large Pasta Shells
- 12 large pasta shells
Cheeses
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cream Sauce
- 2 cups cream
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta Shells: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the large pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly, so they are easy to handle.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, fresh spinach, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stuff the Shells: Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each cooked pasta shell with the cheese and spinach mixture. Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish, opening side up.
- Make the Cream Sauce: In a saucepan, heat cream over medium heat. Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then pour the cream sauce evenly over the stuffed shells.
- Bake and Serve: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top of the shells. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercooked shells hold their shape better and will not fall apart when stuffed.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated cheese and in-season vegetables enhance the flavors significantly.
- Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese for unique flavor profiles.
- Let it Rest: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after baking for easier serving.
- Cover with Foil: Covering the dish while baking helps keep the shells moist and prevents burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Baked Stuffed Shells, Cream Sauce, Italian Recipe, Comfort Food