Olive Garden Jumbo Stuffed Shells are a delightful Italian-American dish that combines large pasta shells filled with a rich and creamy cheese mixture, baked in a flavorful marinara sauce. This dish is known for its comforting and hearty nature, making it a popular choice for family dinners and special occasions.
What You’ll Need
- Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells that will hold the creamy cheese filling. They should be cooked al dente to avoid over-softening during baking.
- Ricotta Cheese: A key ingredient in the stuffing, providing a creamy and slightly tangy flavor.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture and complements the ricotta.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Enhances the flavor with its sharp, nutty taste.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to help hold the cheese filling together.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme that adds an authentic Italian flavor to the filling.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a burst of freshness and color to the filling.
- Marinara Sauce: For layering and baking, providing a tangy and rich contrast to the creamy filling.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (for topping): Additional cheese for sprinkling on top before baking for a golden, bubbly finish.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the cheese mixture to taste.
3.
How to Make
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside to cool. - Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Add the egg, Italian seasoning, and chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. - Step 3: Stuff the Shells
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture, making sure to pack the filling in well. Place the stuffed shells seam-side up in the baking dish, arranging them in a single layer. - Step 4: Top and Bake
Pour additional marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is heated through. - Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the stuffed shells to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm, and enjoy!
4. Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving
Olive Garden Jumbo Stuffed Shells are best served warm, straight from the oven. They make a hearty and satisfying main course and pair well with a side salad and some crusty garlic bread. Garnish with additional fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and presentation. - Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the shells in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze the stuffed shells. Place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
5. Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta Shells
Cook the shells until just al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft during baking. Overcooked shells may fall apart or become mushy. - Underseasoning the Cheese Filling
Ensure the cheese mixture is well-seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. The flavor of the filling is crucial for the overall taste of the dish. - Not Preheating the Oven
Preheat the oven to the correct temperature before baking. Baking at an incorrect temperature can affect the texture and cooking time of the dish. - Skipping the Cooling Time
Allow the stuffed shells to cool slightly before serving. This helps the filling set and makes the dish easier to serve. - Not Covering with Foil Initially
Cover the baking dish with foil during the initial baking to prevent the cheese from over-browning and to ensure the shells heat through evenly.
6. Tips and Tricks
- Use a Piping Bag for Easy Stuffing
To make stuffing the shells easier and less messy, use a piping bag or a large plastic bag with the tip cut off to fill the shells. - Add Vegetables for Extra Flavor
Incorporate finely chopped vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers into the cheese mixture for added flavor and nutrition. - Make a Double Batch
Consider making a double batch and freezing half for a convenient meal later. Stuffed shells freeze well and can be a lifesaver on busy days. - Try Different Sauces
Experiment with different sauces, such as Alfredo or a blend of marinara and cream sauce, for a new twist on the classic recipe. - Garnish for Presentation
Enhance the visual appeal of the dish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley, and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
7. FAQ
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute other cheeses like ricotta with cottage cheese or use different types of mozzarella or Parmesan. Each cheese will provide a unique flavor and texture. - Can I prepare the dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. For best results, bake within 24 hours of assembly. - How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure that the marinara sauce and all other ingredients are gluten-free. Check labels to confirm. - Can I use a different sauce?
Yes, you can use Alfredo sauce, a blend of marinara and Alfredo, or even a white sauce if you prefer a different flavor profile. - How do I reheat frozen stuffed shells?
Thaw the frozen stuffed shells in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes, or until heated through.
8. Conclusion
- Olive Garden Jumbo Stuffed Shells are a delightful and comforting dish that brings the flavors of Italian cuisine to your table in a satisfying way. With their creamy cheese filling, savory marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, these stuffed shells are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or hosting a gathering, this dish is both easy to make and impressive to serve. By following the detailed instructions and tips, you can ensure a delicious outcome every time. Enjoy the rich, hearty flavors of this classic Italian-American dish and share it with loved ones for a memorable meal.
Olive Garden Jumbo Stuffed Shells 🌿🧀
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Indulge in creamy, cheesy jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a flavorful ricotta and spinach mixture, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. A comforting and classic Italian dish!
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped spinach, egg, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff: Fill each cooked pasta shell with the cheese and spinach mixture. Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish.
- Top: Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is melted. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, mix in some cooked ground beef or sausage with the cheese filling.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving for extra freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 20g
