Description
Pasta shells stuffed with creamy ricotta cheese create a comforting Italian classic that delights dinner guests. Marinara sauce and melted mozzarella complete this simple yet elegant meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) ricotta cheese
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce and Liquid Ingredients:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) marinara sauce
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Warm the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing for a delectable pasta transformation.
- Submerge pasta shells into vigorously boiling, salted water, cooking until they reach a tender al dente state. Carefully drain and reserve.
- Transform ground beef in a sizzling skillet over medium heat, browning thoroughly. Infuse with aromatic garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper until fragrant. Allow mixture to cool momentarily.
- Craft the luxurious filling by blending cooked beef with creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, aged Parmesan, and a binding egg. Stir until ingredients harmonize perfectly.
- Delicately nestle the robust beef and cheese mixture into each waiting pasta shell, arranging them snugly within a baking vessel.
- Construct a velvety sauce by marrying marinara with rich heavy cream over gentle heat. Incorporate Parmesan, stirring until it dissolves into a smooth, indulgent coating.
- Lavish the stuffed shells with the creamy sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Crown the dish with an additional layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Shield the creation with aluminum foil, baking for 25 minutes. Uncover and continue baking 10-15 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
- Rescue the dish from the oven, allowing brief moments to settle. Embellish with fresh basil or parsley before presenting this comforting culinary artwork.
Notes
- Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter version of the dish.
- Experiment with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier protein option that maintains the same rich flavor profile.
- Always drain excess fat from the beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy texture in the final dish.
- Consider preparing the shells and filling ahead of time, then refrigerate until ready to bake for a convenient make-ahead meal that saves time during busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg