Cozy Barefoot Contessa’s Stuffed Shells Recipe for Pasta Lovers

Creamy, cheesy stuffed shells dance with rich flavors that instantly transport you to an Italian kitchen.

These delectable Barefoot Contessa stuffed shells bring warmth and comfort to your dining table.

Perfectly seasoned ricotta cheese mingles with herbs and spices, creating a mouthwatering filling.

Each shell cradles a delightful blend of ingredients that promise a memorable meal.

Weeknight dinners or special gatherings become extraordinary with this classic recipe.

The simple yet elegant dish comes together effortlessly, ensuring even novice cooks can impress their guests.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to savor every delicious bite of this irresistible pasta masterpiece.

Gear to Prep Barefoot Contessa Stuffed Shells with Ease

• Large pot: For boiling pasta shells with salted water.
• Steamer basket: To wilt spinach quickly and evenly.
• Mixing bowl: For combining spinach and cheese mixture.
• Colander: To drain pasta shells after cooking.
• Baking dish: For assembling and baking stuffed shells.
• Aluminum foil: To cover dish during baking.
• Wooden spoon: For mixing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: To chop spinach and zest lemon.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient quantities.

Cooking Instructions for Barefoot Contessa’s Stuffed Shells

• Oven Preparation Kitchen Warmup

Crank the oven to a toasty 425°F, getting everything ready for a delicious meal.

• Leafy Green Magic

Transform fresh spinach into a tender, vibrant filling by gently steaming and then chopping it into small pieces.

• Pasta Foundation

Cook the delicate shells in salted water until they’re perfectly tender, then give them a quick olive oil bath to keep them from sticking together.

• Flavor Fusion

Combine the wilted spinach with creamy ricotta, tangy pecorino, zesty garlic, aromatic herbs, bright lemon zest, and a hint of spicy red pepper to create a mouthwatering filling.

• Assembly Artistry

Spread a generous layer of rich marinara sauce in a baking dish, then lovingly stuff each shell with the spectacular spinach mixture, nestling them carefully in the sauce.

• Baking Brilliance

Cover the dish with foil and let the oven work its magic, transforming the ingredients into a bubbling, irresistible masterpiece.

• Serving Celebration

Bring the dish to the table with extra marinara sauce on the side, ready to delight eager diners with its incredible flavors.

Stuffed Shells Tips & Filling Variations from Contessa’s Kitchen

• Replace pecorino with parmesan or asiago for a different flavor profile and smooth texture.
• Fold cooked ground turkey or crumbled Italian sausage into the ricotta mixture for extra heartiness.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley instead of oregano to elevate the dish's aromatics.
• Add roasted zucchini, diced bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms to increase vegetable content and nutritional value.

Serve Those Shells Hot: Tips from Barefoot Contessa

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Toss a crisp green salad with mixed leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to complement the rich, cheesy shells.
• Add Crusty Bread: Serve warm garlic bread or a rustic Italian loaf on the side to soak up extra marinara sauce and add delightful texture.
• Sprinkle Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped basil or parsley right before serving to add a burst of freshness and bright color to the dish.
• Wine Pairing Suggestion: Enjoy with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio to enhance the meal's flavors.

Best Ways to Store Leftover Stuffed Shells

• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the marinara sauce separate to maintain the pasta's texture.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Stuffed shells stay fresh for 2-3 months in the freezer.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the stuffed shells a day before baking. Keep covered in the refrigerator, then bake when ready to serve for a stress-free meal preparation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 6

What Goes in Barefoot Contessa’s Stuffed Shells

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy base that binds the filling with a silky texture, choose fresh and high-quality for best flavor.
• Pecorino Cheese: Sharp Italian sheep's milk cheese that adds a tangy and salty punch, grate freshly for maximum flavor intensity.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides depth and warmth, select firm cloves without sprouts.
• Oregano: Earthy Mediterranean herb that brings robust Mediterranean flavor, use dried or fresh for authentic taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and exciting spiciness, adjust quantity based on personal spice preference.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and elevate overall dish complexity.
• Lemon Zest: Bright citrus element that adds fresh, zesty notes and cuts through rich cheese.

• Pasta Shells: Large, curved pasta perfect for stuffing, select medium to large sizes for easy filling.
• Spinach: Nutrient-packed green that adds color and subtle earthiness, choose fresh or frozen for convenience.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that provides moisture and traditional Italian flavor, opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought.
• Olive Oil: Smooth, fruity oil that prevents pasta sticking and adds subtle richness.

Hearty Barefoot Contessa Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s classic stuffed shells recipe blends rich ricotta, herbs, and marinara into a comforting Italian-American dish. Simple ingredients create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll want to share with family and friends.

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Ingredients

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• 18 to 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups (16 oz/454 g) ricotta cheese
• 5 oz (142 g) spinach
• ¼ cup (30 g) grated pecorino cheese, more for sprinkling
• 2 cups marinara sauce, plus more for serving
• 2 garlic cloves, grated
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• ¾ tsp sea salt, more for the pasta water
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• freshly ground black pepper
• extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• chopped parsley, for serving

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Instructions

1. Spinach Preparation: Steam spinach leaves over simmering water for 60 seconds, drain thoroughly, and finely chop to create a delicate green base for the filling.
2. Pasta Cooking: Boil salted water and cook pasta shells until al dente, then drain and lightly coat with olive oil to prevent sticking, ensuring perfect texture and separation.
3. Filling Creation: Merge wilted spinach with ricotta, pecorino Romano, garlic, oregano, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a comprehensive mixing process, blending until smooth and well-integrated.
4. Sauce Foundation: Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a rectangular baking dish, creating a flavorful and moisture-rich base for the shells.
5. Shell Assembly: Methodically stuff each pasta shell with the prepared spinach-cheese mixture, positioning them strategically within the sauced baking dish to ensure even coverage and optimal flavor distribution.
6. Baking Process: Cover the dish completely with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the shells to heat through perfectly.
7. Serving Presentation: Remove from oven, let rest briefly, and serve immediately with additional warm marinara sauce on the side for those desiring extra sauce infusion.

Notes

• Spinach Prep Pro: Quickly wilt spinach to preserve nutrients and prevent waterlogging, draining thoroughly for a perfect texture in the filling.
• Pasta Perfection: Cook shells al dente to maintain structural integrity and prevent mushiness when stuffed and baked.
• Flavor Fusion: Balance ricotta with bold pecorino Romano, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes for a complex, vibrant taste profile.
• Baking Brilliance: Cover with foil to lock in moisture and prevent excessive browning, ensuring a tender, succulent final dish.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg