Treasure Isle Stuffed Shells
Inspired by the nostalgic tales of endless pirate adventures and sun-soaked Caribbean shores narrated by my grandpa, these Treasure Isle Stuffed Shells are a delightful homage to both pasta and the lore of the sea. Imagine cruising through vibrant coral reefs, collecting treasures as you savor each bite of velvety cheese-filled shells nestled in a rich marinara sauce. With fresh basil and gooey mozzarella topping, every serving is not just a meal; it's a journey into the heart of pirate escapades! Gather your crew and dive into this flavorful experience that’s sure to warm your hearts and memories. Arrrgh!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
jumbo pasta shells
12 ounces (Cooked according to package directions for al dente)
fresh goat cheese
33 ounces (Softened (or 2 cartons of whole milk ricotta cheese, 15 ounces each))
fresh basil
1 cup (Minced)
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (Grated)
garlic cloves
2 (Minced)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
marinara sauce
24 ounces (Jarred)
shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 cup (For topping)
zucchini
As needed (Cut into strips (optional for decoration))
additional marinara sauce
As desired (For serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil, then cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the shells and set them aside to cool slightly.
2
While the pasta is cooking, in a mixing bowl, combine the fresh goat cheese (or ricotta), minced basil, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and salt. Stir until well blended, creating a creamy filling.
3
Spread 1-1/4 cups of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a generously greased 13x9-inch baking dish to create a luscious base for your pasta.
4
Carefully fill each pasta shell with about 1 rounded tablespoon of the cheese mixture, gently pressing to ensure a snug fit. Arrange the filled shells in a single layer over the sauce in the baking dish.
5
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they’re well-covered. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top for that melty finish. If you dare to channel your inner pirate, create crisscrossed zucchini strips over the top to form delightful 'X's, representing the hidden treasures of the sea.
6
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. For added yum, warm some extra marinara sauce to serve alongside.
7
Serve warm, and enjoy this decadent dish full of treasure and nostalgia!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Treasure Isle Stuffed Shells?
Treasure Isle Stuffed Shells is a pirate-themed baked pasta dish featuring jumbo shells filled with a creamy cheese and basil mixture, topped with marinara and mozzarella.
What inspired this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by nostalgic stories of pirate adventures and Caribbean shores told by the creator's grandfather.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of jumbo pasta shells cooked to an al dente texture.
Can I substitute the goat cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the 33 ounces of goat cheese with two 15-ounce cartons of whole milk ricotta cheese.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
What herbs are used in the cheese filling?
The filling uses one cup of minced fresh basil.
How much marinara sauce is placed at the bottom of the dish?
Spread 1-1/4 cups of marinara sauce across the bottom of the baking dish before adding the shells.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A generously greased 13x9-inch baking dish is recommended.
How much filling should go into each pasta shell?
Each pasta shell should be filled with about one rounded tablespoon of the cheese mixture.
What cheese is used for the topping?
The dish is topped with one cup of shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese.
How do I create the 'treasure' decoration?
You can create crisscrossed zucchini strips over the top of the shells to form 'X's, symbolizing hidden treasure.
Is the zucchini decoration mandatory?
No, the zucchini strips are optional and used mainly for decorative pirate-themed flair.
How long should the shells bake while covered?
The shells should be covered with aluminum foil and baked for 25 minutes.
How long should the dish bake uncovered?
After removing the foil, bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and brown.
What should I serve alongside the stuffed shells?
It is recommended to serve the dish with additional warm marinara sauce on the side.
How much Parmesan cheese is in the filling?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
Two minced garlic cloves are stirred into the cheese filling.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 10 ingredients required for this recipe.
Does this recipe qualify as comfort food?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as comfort food and a cheesy pasta bake.
How much salt is added to the filling?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt, or more to taste.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat the oven and boil the jumbo pasta shells in salted water until al dente.
How much marinara sauce is needed in total?
The main recipe uses 24 ounces of marinara sauce, plus extra as desired for serving.
What is the texture of the cheese filling?
The filling is described as a creamy blend of cheese, herbs, and garlic.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a flavorful experience meant for gathering your 'crew' and warm family memories.
What does 'al dente' mean for the pasta?
It means cooking the pasta so it is firm to the bite, ensuring it doesn't get mushy during baking.
Can I use jarred marinara sauce?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 24 ounces of jarred marinara sauce.
What should be done with the shells after boiling?
Drain the shells and set them aside to cool slightly before filling them.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include pirate pasta, stuffed shells, Caribbean recipes, and nostalgia.
What should the cheese look like when done?
The mozzarella cheese should be bubbling and golden brown.
Why is the dish called 'Treasure Isle'?
The name reflects the pirate-themed decoration and the lore of the sea that inspired the recipe.