Super Cheesy Pioneer Woman Stuffed Shells Recipe For Dinner

Stuffed shells by pioneer woman beckon with an irresistible blend of comfort and culinary creativity.

Melted cheese and robust herbs dance inside tender pasta pockets waiting to delight your senses.

Rustic Italian flavors burst through each carefully crafted shell, promising a meal that transcends ordinary dinner routines.

Ricotta mingles with Romano, creating a luxurious filling that whispers of home and tradition.

Marinara sauce adds a vibrant splash of color and tang to the cheesy landscape.

Every forkful promises a journey through rich, harmonious tastes that connect generations.

Savor this mouthwatering masterpiece that turns an everyday meal into a celebration of flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 470 kcal

Servings: 5

Pioneer Woman Stuffed Shells Ingredient List

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Select fresh, unblemished shells without cracks for perfect stuffing.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances pasta flavor and helps season cooking water.

• Whole-Milk Ricotta Cheese, Romano Cheese: Choose creamy, high-quality ricotta with rich texture.
• Fresh Parsley, Basil Leaves: Pick vibrant green herbs with no wilting for maximum flavor.
• Large Egg: Use fresh, room temperature egg for smooth binding.
• Black Pepper: Opt for freshly ground pepper for robust, zesty taste.

• Marinara Sauce: Select robust, authentic jarred sauce with balanced tomato flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Pick freshly grated cheeses for superior melting and texture.
• Aluminum Foil: Use heavy-duty foil for even heat distribution and moisture retention.

Tools You’ll Need for Stuffing Pasta

• Large Pot: Crucial for boiling pasta shells to al dente perfection.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining ricotta, cheeses, herbs, and egg into a creamy filling.
• 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: Ideal size for layering and baking stuffed shells.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps cover dish during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps season filling with precise amounts of black pepper.
• Colander: Essential for draining pasta shells after cooking.
• Cheese Grater: Needed for creating fresh grated Parmesan, mozzarella, and Romano cheeses.
• Cutting Board: Great for chiffonading basil leaves and mincing fresh parsley.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for preparing herbs and chopping ingredients.

Making Cheesy Stuffed Shells the PW Way

• Warm Up Your Cooking Space

Set your oven to a cozy 350°F, creating the perfect environment for your delightful pasta adventure.

• Cook Pasta Shells to Perfection

Boil water with a pinch of salt and cook jumbo shells until they’re tender yet firm. Drain and let them cool down, ready for their cheesy makeover.

• Craft a Creamy Cheese Blend

Mix ricotta, Romano, fresh herbs, and an egg in a bowl. Whisk together until smooth, adding a dash of pepper to spark up the flavor.

• Create a Saucy Foundation

Spread marinara sauce across your baking dish, creating a vibrant bed for the shells to rest on.

• Stuff and Arrange Shells

Gently fill each shell with the luscious cheese mixture. Nestle them into the sauce-covered dish, creating a delectable pasta landscape.

• Layer on More Flavor

Drizzle another layer of marinara over the shells, ensuring every nook gets a splash of saucy goodness.

• Cheese Topping Finale

Shower the top with a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella, creating a golden, melty blanket.

• Bake to Bubbling Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then unveil and continue baking until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

• Serve and Savor

Pull out your masterpiece and serve immediately. Grab some crusty bread to soak up the incredible sauce, and dive into this comfort food classic.

Tips to Perfect the Filling and Sauce

Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding goat cheese or blue cheese for a unique flavor profile.

Fold sautéed spinach, diced zucchini, or roasted bell peppers into the cheese mixture to increase nutritional value and add extra texture.

Prepare the stuffed shells up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Transform the recipe by mixing ground Italian sausage, cooked chicken, or crumbled bacon into the cheese filling for a heartier meal that satisfies meat lovers.

Serving Ideas for Hearty Shells

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top to add a burst of color and vibrant flavor right before serving.
• Pair with Side Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy pasta dish and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Wine Companion: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the tomato sauce and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Create Family-Style Presentation: Serve directly in the baking dish for a rustic, inviting table setting that encourages sharing and creates a warm, communal meal atmosphere.

How to Store Leftover Stuffed Pasta

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cheesy filling and sauce maintain their delightful flavors when properly sealed.
• Freeze with Ease: Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months, creating a convenient make-ahead meal that's ready when you need it.
• Reheat Carefully: Thaw frozen stuffed shells overnight in the refrigerator. Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 20-25 minutes, ensuring the cheese melts and the dish heats evenly without drying out.
• Meal Prep Magic: Assemble the entire dish in advance, refrigerate unbaked, and pop it in the oven when ready to serve. This strategy saves time and delivers a piping-hot, restaurant-quality meal with minimal last-minute preparation.

Hearty Pioneer Woman Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Delectable pioneer woman stuffed shells combine ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan for a classic Italian-American comfort dish. Hearty pasta shells filled with creamy cheese melt in warm marinara sauce, promising a satisfying meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 g) jumbo pasta shells
• 30 oz (850 g) whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 8 oz (226 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 8 oz (226 g) mozzarella cheese, grated
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Romano cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsps (8 g) minced fresh parsley
• 12 leaves fresh basil, cut into chiffonade
• 2 jars good-quality marinara sauce
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Crusty French bread, for serving

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to 350°F, positioning the rack in the center for optimal heat distribution.
2. Pasta Transformation: Immerse jumbo shells in salted, rolling boiling water. Cook until just tender, then drain and cool on a clean kitchen towel, allowing excess moisture to evaporate.
3. Flavor Fusion: Whisk ricotta, Romano, parsley, basil, and egg in a spacious mixing bowl. Season with black pepper, blending ingredients into a harmonious, creamy consistency.
4. Sauce Foundation: Lavish the bottom of a baking dish with a robust layer of marinara, creating a vibrant, flavorful base for the shells.
5. Shell Assembly: Carefully cradle each shell with the herbed ricotta mixture, nestling them snugly into the marinara-coated dish. Cascade the remaining sauce over the shells, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Cheese Crowning: Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella across the surface, forming a tantalizing golden-hued blanket that promises crispy, melted perfection.
7. Baking Ritual: Drape the dish with aluminum foil, then slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
8. Final Touch: Remove the foil and return to the oven for an additional 15 minutes, watching the cheese transform into a bubbling, bronzed masterpiece.
9. Serving Finale: Rescue the shells from the oven and let rest briefly. Serve immediately alongside crusty bread, inviting diners to savor every decadent morsel.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Choose jumbo shells that are whole and unbroken for the best presentation and easiest stuffing.
• Cheese Temperature Tip: Allow ricotta to reach room temperature to ensure smooth, even mixing and better texture.
• Sauce Strategy: Use a high-quality marinara for maximum flavor depth and restaurant-worthy results.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Let the dish rest 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make serving easier.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg