The Ultimate Cheesy Jumbo Stuffed Shells
Imagine a dish where tender pasta meets a molten cheese center, all bathed in a vibrant, herb-infused tomato sauce. This recipe for Stuffed Jumbo Pasta Shells is the quintessential comfort food—an irresistible blend of textures and flavors that promises a gourmet Italian experience right at your dining table.
Why You’ll Love These Stuffed Shells
This dish is a favorite for a reason. It captures the essence of traditional Italian home cooking while remaining incredibly approachable. The golden-brown mozzarella crust provides a satisfying crunch that gives way to a velvety ricotta filling. It is the perfect crowd-pleasing dinner that looks as beautiful as it tastes.
Ingredients & Their Roles
- Jumbo Pasta Shells: These oversized pasta cups are designed to hold a generous amount of filling, ensuring every bite is a perfect balance of pasta and cheese.
- Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: The creamy foundation of our filling. Whole milk ricotta provides a richer, silkier mouthfeel than part-skim varieties.
- Shredded Mozzarella: Divided for use inside the shells for gooey texture and on top for that iconic bubbly crust.
- Grated Parmesan: Adds a sharp, salty depth that cuts through the richness of the ricotta.
- Large Egg: Acts as a binding agent, ensuring the cheese filling sets perfectly and doesn’t run out during baking.
- Premium Marinara Sauce: The acidic base that balances the fats. It provides the necessary moisture for the perfect al dente finish.
- Garlic and Italian Herbs: These aromatics infuse the dish with a classic Mediterranean flavor profile.
- Fresh Parsley: A final garnish that adds a bright pop of color and a clean finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Cook the jumbo shells in salted water until they are slightly underdone. They should be firm to the touch so they don’t break during the stuffing process.
- Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, half the mozzarella, parmesan, egg, garlic, and herbs. Mix until the texture is uniform and creamy.
- Prepare the Pan: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish to create a non-stick moisture barrier.
- Stuff and Arrange: Fill each shell generously with the cheese mixture and place them seam-side up in the dish.
- Final Topping: Spoon the remaining sauce over the shells and top with a heavy layer of mozzarella.
- The Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for 10 minutes until the cheese is blistered and golden.
Pro Tip: For the most luxurious texture, always grate your cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that prevent that perfect, stringy cheese pull.
Serving Suggestions
To complete this Italian feast, serve with warm garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce and a fresh arugula salad with a balsamic glaze to provide a peppery contrast to the rich cheese.