A Filled Shells is a Delicious Recipe for Any Occasion:

filled pasta shells are a delightful treat that turn any meal into a fine dining experience. These little parcels of deliciousness are very versatile because they can be filled with a wide range of ingredients. This recipe for filled shells will satisfy your cravings for comfort food as well as your desire to wow guests at a dinner party. We’ll walk you through the steps of creating perfectly filled pasta shells in this blog post.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Pasta Shells:

• 1 box (12 ounces) jumbo pasta shells
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt (for boiling water)
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For the Filling:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier sauce)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Pasta Shells:

1.Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a generous pinch of salt, and then add the shells. When the pasta shells are al dente, add the jumbo pasta shells and cook them as directed on the package. They will continue to cook in the oven, so take care not to overcook them. Once cooked, stop the cooking process by draining and rinsing the shells under cold water. To keep them from adhering to one another, drizzle with olive oil.

Step 2: Making the Filling:

• To make the filling, place the ricotta cheese, egg, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese in a large mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly to ensure that all the ingredients are well combined.
• Add the seasoning, chopped spinach, minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil. To taste, add salt and pepper for seasoning. Ensure that everything is dispersed equally and thoroughly mixed.
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Step 3: Assembling the Shells:

4. • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Stuff the Shells: Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each pasta shell with the cheese and spinach mixture. Be generous with the filling, but ensure the shells are not overstuffed as they need to hold their shape.
   • Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish. This will prevent the shells from sticking and add extra flavor.
   • Arrange the Shells: Place the filled shells in the baking dish, open side up. Arrange them in a single layer, slightly overlapping if necessary.
   • 

Step 4: Baking the Shells:

• Add the Sauce: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, ensuring each shell is covered. If you prefer a creamier sauce, mix the marinara sauce with heavy cream before pouring it over the shells.
• Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is hot and bubbly.
• Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the tops of the shells to get slightly golden and crispy.
• 

Step 5: Serving the Filled Shells:

• Garnish and Serve: Once the shells are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired
• Enjoy: Serve the filled shells warm, accompanied by a fresh salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal.
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Tips and Variations

• Meat Lovers: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken to the filling mixture for a heartier version of this dish.
• Vegetarian Delight: For a vegetarian twist, consider adding other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the filling.
• Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Try adding some crumbled feta or goat cheese for a unique flavor.
• Sauce Variations: While marinara is a classic choice, you can also use Alfredo sauce or a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a different taste experience.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the filled shells in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a perfect dish for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests.

Conclusion

A tasty and adaptable dish that can be tailored to any palate are filled pasta shells. These shells are guaranteed to be a hit at any table thanks to their combination of savory Parmesan, gooey mozzarella, and creamy ricotta. This recipe is a great addition to your culinary repertoire, whether you choose to make the traditional spinach and cheese filling or get creative and make your own variations. Thus, assemble your ingredients, adhere to these instructions, and savor the mouthwatering tastes of precisely filled pasta shells!

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