Cheesy Jumbo Pasta Shells: Flavorful Freezer Meal
Indulge in the comforting goodness of cheesy jumbo stuffed shells, perfect for busy nights or unexpected guests. This classic recipe has been slightly tweaked for optimal make-ahead convenience, allowing you to prepare a hearty batch and freeze for later enjoyment. Each shell is generously filled with a creamy ricotta and mozzarella blend, accented by a touch of fresh parsley and oregano, all smothered in zesty spaghetti sauce. When you're ready to serve, simply thaw and bake, and in no time, you’ll have a bubbling, cheesy dish that rivals your favorite Italian restaurant. It’s a satisfying meal that not only feeds a crowd but also brings warmth and nostalgia to your dining table.
10-12
Servings
300
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Jumbo pasta shells
12 ounce (uncooked)
Ricotta cheese
4 cups (plain)
Mozzarella cheese
2 cups (shredded)
Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup (grated)
Eggs
3 (beaten)
Fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Spaghetti sauce
3 cups (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
1
Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3
Using a teaspoon or a small cookie scoop, fill each cooled pasta shell with approximately 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture, ensuring each shell is packed but not overflowing.
4
Spread a thin layer of spaghetti sauce on the bottom of a foil-lined 9x13 inch baking dish. Place the filled shells in a single layer on top of the sauce.
5
After arranging the shells, pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the top, ensuring all shells are covered.
6
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and freeze. Once frozen solid, you can remove the shells from the pan to save space in your freezer.
7
When ready to enjoy, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thaw the shells in the refrigerator overnight.
8
Return the thawed shells to the original baking dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the dish is hot and bubbling.
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
42g
Carbs
18g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish described in this recipe?
The main dish is Cheesy Jumbo Pasta Shells, which is a flavorful freezer meal.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides approximately 10 to 12 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 300 calories.
What type of pasta is required for this recipe?
You need 12 ounces of uncooked jumbo pasta shells.
What three types of cheese are used in the filling?
The filling uses ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
How should the jumbo pasta shells be cooked?
Cook the shells according to package instructions until they are al dente, then drain and cool.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 18 grams of protein.
How much ricotta cheese is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of plain ricotta cheese.
Why are eggs included in the cheese mixture?
Three beaten eggs are mixed with the cheeses to help bind the filling together.
What herbs and spices are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses chopped fresh parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
How much spaghetti sauce is required?
You will need 3 cups of either store-bought or homemade spaghetti sauce.
What is the total fat content per serving?
The fat content is 12.5 grams per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 42 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much filling should go into each pasta shell?
Each shell should be filled with approximately 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture.
What size baking dish should be used?
A 9x13 inch baking dish lined with foil is recommended.
How do you prepare the baking dish before adding shells?
Spread a thin layer of spaghetti sauce on the bottom of the dish.
Can this meal be frozen for later?
Yes, it is specifically designed as a freezer meal; cover the dish tightly with foil and freeze.
How can I save space in the freezer after the shells are frozen?
Once frozen solid, you can remove the shells from the baking pan to save space.
What temperature should the oven be for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How should the frozen shells be thawed?
Thaw the shells in the refrigerator overnight before you plan to bake them.
How long do the thawed shells need to bake?
Bake the shells covered with foil for about 35 minutes until hot and bubbling.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients listed in the recipe.
What is the preparation for the fresh parsley?
The fresh parsley should be chopped before being added to the mixture.
Is this recipe suitable for an easy family dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dinner and a family meal.
What is the preparation for the mozzarella cheese?
The mozzarella cheese should be shredded.
How much Parmesan cheese is used?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Does this recipe use dried or fresh oregano?
This recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano.
What is the amount of salt and pepper needed?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
What kind of sauce can I use?
You can use any store-bought or homemade spaghetti sauce.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The tags include pasta, stuffed shells, cheese, make ahead, freezer meal, and Italian.