There’s something truly magical about cooking, isn’t there? It’s like alchemy, transforming simple ingredients into a delicious meal that brings people together. Today, I’m thrilled to share my favorite stuffed pasta recipe! This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also incredibly easy to make, even for beginners. I remember the first time I made stuffed pasta—I was nervous, but the moment I pulled that bubbling dish out of the oven, I felt like a culinary rock star! The cheesy filling, tender pasta shells, and rich marinara sauce create a cozy embrace of flavors that’s simply irresistible. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked on stuffed pasta just like I am!

Ingredients List

• 12 large pasta shells: These are the perfect size for stuffing and holding all that cheesy goodness!
• 1 cup ricotta cheese: This creamy cheese is the heart of our filling, offering a soft texture and mild flavor.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds that gooey, melty goodness that everyone loves. Trust me, you want this!
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of this sharp cheese takes the flavor up a notch. It’s a must-have!
• 1 egg: This helps bind the cheese mixture together, making it easier to fill the shells.
• 1 cup marinara sauce: A rich tomato sauce that brings everything together. You can use store-bought or homemade!
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a wonderful herby flavor. Feel free to adjust based on your taste!
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning! Don’t skip this step; it really brings out the flavors.

How to Prepare Stuffed Pasta

Preheat and Prepare

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! Set it to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab a large pot and fill it with water, adding a generous pinch of salt. Bring that to a boil, then gently add your 12 large pasta shells. You’ll want to cook them according to the package instructions until they’re al dente—firm but not too hard. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Once they’re done, drain them carefully and set them aside on a clean kitchen towel to cool a bit.

Make the Cheese Filling

Now, let’s whip up that scrumptious cheese filling! In a big mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan. Crack in 1 egg, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together with a fork or a spatula until it’s well combined. You want it to be creamy and smooth, so take a moment to really blend it well. Trust me, this filling is the heart of your dish!

Stuff the Pasta Shells

Alright, it’s time to fill those pasta shells! Using a spoon or, if you’re feeling fancy, a piping bag makes this step a breeze. Carefully take a shell and spoon in the cheese mixture, filling it generously but not overstuffing, as they might burst during baking. If you accidentally overfill, no worries—just gently push the filling back in. Repeat this with all your shells until they’re all filled with cheesy goodness!

Assemble and Bake

Now for the fun part—assembling! Pour half of your 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking. Place your stuffed shells on top, then pour the remaining sauce over them, making sure each shell gets a lovely coating. Cover the dish with foil to keep the moisture in while they bake. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 10 minutes until everything is bubbly and golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before diving in—trust me, it’ll be worth the wait!

Tips for Success

To make your stuffed pasta truly shine, here are some handy tips! First, don’t overcook the pasta shells; they should be firm enough to hold the filling. If they’re too soft, they might fall apart during baking. Also, feel free to get creative with your filling! Adding cooked spinach or ground meat can elevate the flavor. If you’re short on time, store-bought marinara sauce works just fine, but homemade is always a treat!

Another tip is to use a piping bag for filling the shells—it makes the process so much easier and tidier! And remember, if you notice any shells bursting while baking, just keep an eye on them; they’ll still taste delicious. Last but not least, let your dish cool for a few minutes before serving—this helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for this scrumptious stuffed pasta, which is great to keep in mind as you whip it up! Each serving, which is about a quarter of the dish, typically contains:

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Sugar: 6g

Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific brands of ingredients used, so consider this an estimate. Enjoy your delicious stuffed pasta guilt-free!

FAQ Section

Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While large pasta shells are perfect for stuffing, you can also use cannelloni or even manicotti. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the pasta you choose.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before you start filling the shells.

What if I have leftover filling?
If you have extra filling, don’t worry! You can use it to make a small pasta bake or even mix it into a simple omelet for a delicious breakfast.

Can I freeze the stuffed pasta?
Definitely! You can freeze the assembled stuffed pasta before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To reheat, simply place the stuffed pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until heated through. Enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for a weeknight dinner!
• Deliciously cheesy filling that everyone will crave.
• Customizable—add your favorite veggies or proteins!
• Vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for meatless meals.
• Family-approved and always a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
• Comforting and satisfying, perfect for cozy nights in.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

After you’ve enjoyed your delicious stuffed pasta, storing the leftovers is super simple! Just transfer any uneaten pasta to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy those cheesy flavors again soon!

When it’s time to reheat, the best method is to use your oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C), place the stuffed pasta in an oven-safe dish, and cover it with foil. This helps keep the moisture in while it warms up. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. If you like, you can remove the foil for the last few minutes to get that gooey cheese bubbling! Trust me, it’ll taste just as good as when it was fresh!

Stuffed Pasta: 5 Simple Steps for Beginners to Succeed!

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A simple and delicious recipe for stuffed pasta that is perfect for beginners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 large pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Fill each pasta shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon.
5. Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
6. Place the stuffed shells in the dish and cover with the remaining marinara sauce.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until bubbly.
9. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be firm.
• You can add cooked spinach or ground meat to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
• Use a spoon or piping bag for easier filling of the shells.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of the dish
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: stuffed pasta, easy recipe, beginner cooking