Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of Million Dollar Stuffed Shells! This classic Italian-inspired dish is packed with a decadent blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, all nestled inside perfectly cooked pasta shells and smothered in a flavorful marinara sauce. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering.
Million Dollar Stuffed Shells :
If you’re craving a comforting and satisfying pasta dish, look no further than these Million Dollar Stuffed Shells. The combination of gooey cheese, hearty tomato sauce, and tender pasta makes this recipe an all-time favorite. Best of all, it’s simple to make and sure to impress your family and guests!
History of the Recipe :
Stuffed shells have been a staple in Italian-American cuisine for generations. This dish is inspired by the traditional Italian “conchiglioni ripieni,” where large pasta shells are filled with a mixture of ricotta, herbs, and cheese. The “Million Dollar” variation elevates the classic recipe with a creamy, indulgent twist, often including cream cheese or sour cream to add extra richness.
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Million Dollar Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/4 cups fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook jumbo shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, cream cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each cooked shell with the cheese mixture and place them in the baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
- For extra flavor, mix some cooked crumbled sausage into the cheese filling.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Can be prepared a day in advance and baked when ready to serve.
Tips for Million Dollar Stuffed Shells :
- Use fresh mozzarella for an extra gooey texture.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta shells to keep them firm for stuffing.
- Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
FAQs for Million Dollar Stuffed Shells :
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the stuffed shells, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: Can I freeze Million Dollar Stuffed Shells?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: What can I serve with this dish?
A: Garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully with these stuffed shells.
Conclusion :
Recipe bring indulgence and comfort to your dinner table with their rich, creamy, and cheesy filling. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and make your next dinner feel like a million bucks!