Barefoot Contessa Stuffed Shells

Barefoot Contessa stuffed shells are a delicious Italian-style dish made of jumbo pasta shells filled with ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and herbs. This classic comfort food is perfect for any occasion and can be served as an appetizer or main course.

The creamy ricotta filling combined with the flavorful marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese make this a truly delicious dish.

This recipe includes everything you need to make the perfect stuffed shells, including step-by-step instructions and tips to help you make the most of this tasty dish. So let’s get started!

How did I first get introduced to Barefoot contessa stuffed shells?

I was first introduced to this delicious dish when I went to have dinner in an Italian friends home. His mom recreated this dish following the blog of barefoot Contessa. I loved this dish so much that in the dinner I filled my stomach only with stuffed shells.

It has a rich, creamy flavor from the ricotta cheese combined with the tangy marinara sauce and savory Parmesan cheese. The fresh herbs add a bright pop of flavor to the dish, and the melted mozzarella cheese gives it a gooey texture.

After that the taste kept lingering in mouth and I knew I had to try making it at home. Since then, I’ve been hooked and often make Barefoot Contessa stuffed shells for family gatherings and other special occasions.

How to make Barefoot Contessa stuffed shells?

Making Barefoot Contessa stuffed shells requires a few steps, but it’s very easy. The key here is to make sure that your ricotta cheese is mixed with all the ingredients properly before stuffing them into the pasta shells.

Ingredients

• Jumbo pasta shells: large, hollow semolina pasta shells for stuffing with fillings.
• Ricotta cheese: a soft, creamy Italian cheese made from cow’s milk whey.
• Basil leaves: fresh green leafy herb with a sweet and pungent flavor.
• Ground black pepper: ground form of the black pepper spice, with a pungent and slightly sharp flavor.
• Marinara sauce: a simple tomato-based sauce flavored with garlic, basil, and oregano.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: hard Italian cheese with a nutty taste and granular texture.
• Egg: high-protein food used for binding and adding richness.
• Mozzarella cheese: mild-tasting Italian cheese with a soft, elastic texture.
• Parsley leaves: fresh green herb with delicate flavor and aroma.
• Salt: seasoning used to enhance the flavor of food.

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the jumbo shells and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are slightly al dente. Drain the cooked shells and spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet to cool.

Step 3

In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley leaves, basil leaves, salt and pepper until everything is combined.

Step 4

Spoon 1/3 cup of the cheese mixture into each of the cooled jumbo shells. Place filled shells in the prepared baking dish.

Step 5

Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Step 6

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7

Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

– If you want a creamier filling, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the cheese mixture.

– For additional flavor, add some garlic, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.

– For an extra cheesy dish, top the shells with shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese before baking.

– To make this dish ahead of time, prepare it up to Step 4 and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 2 shells

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 680mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 27g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 20g
• Vitamin D: 0mcg
• Calcium: 320mg
• Iron: 2mg
• Potassium: 340mg

What to serve with Barefoot Contessa stuffed shells?

Barefoot Contessa stuffed shells can be served as an appetizer or main course. To make it a complete meal, you can serve them with a side salad and garlic bread. It also pairs well with roasted vegetables such as zucchini, squash, or bell peppers.

How to store leftover Barefoot Contessa stuffed shells?

Leftover Barefoot Contessa stuffed shells can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Can pregnant women eat this?

Yes, pregnant women can safely eat Barefoot Contessa stuffed shells as long as they are thoroughly cooked. It is important to make sure that the ricotta cheese and egg mixture are properly mixed before stuffing them into the shells.

Wrapping Up

Barefoot Contessa stuffed shells are a delicious Italian-style dish made of jumbo pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta cheese, flavorful marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. This classic comfort food is perfect for any occasion and can be served as an appetizer or main course.

With just a few simple steps, you can have this delicious dish ready in no time. Make sure to follow these tips for the best results!