Here’s a comforting and delicious recipe for Nonna Pia’s Easy-to-Make Stuffed Shells — a classic Italian dish perfect for weeknights or Sunday dinner!
🍝 Nonna Pia’s Easy-to-Make Stuffed Shells
📋 Ingredients:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Extra mozzarella for topping (about 1/2 cup)
👩🍳 Directions:
1️⃣ Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Cook Shells:
Boil jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water to prevent sticking.
3️⃣ Make the Filling:
In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
4️⃣ Stuff the Shells:
Fill each shell with 1–2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture.
5️⃣ Assemble:
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange stuffed shells in a single layer. Pour the remaining marinara over the top and sprinkle with extra mozzarella.
6️⃣ Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
7️⃣ Serve:
Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with more parsley or Parmesan if desired.
⏱ Time & Servings:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
This dish is freezer-friendly and even better the next day — just how Nonna likes it! 💛 Let me know if you’d like a version with meat or spinach!
