Name: Pull-Apart Stuffed Shells
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 (12-ounce) package Jumbo pasta shells, cooked; 2 cup Ricotta cheese; 1 1/2 cup Mozzarella, divided; 1 cup Parmesan cheese; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 tablespoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 1/2 cup marinara sauce, divided; 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs; 2 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3-4 fresh basil leaves, cut into ribbons for garnish

Pull-Apart Stuffed Shells

By: RecipeLion.com Test Kitchen

4 Comments

Pull-Apart Stuffed Shells

By: RecipeLion.com Test Kitchen

This easy stuffed pasta shell recipe is one of our favorites, and while it's perfect for a game day appetizer, we are happy to treat our guests to it anytime of the year. This is one of those fun party food appetizers because it's easy as 1-2-3 to make, and since it's a pull-apart recipe, it's even easier to serve.

Enjoy giant stuffed pasta shells with a creamy 3-cheese and herb filling, baked with crispy panko breadcrumbs and marinara sauce, and then topped off with grated Parmesan and fresh, shredded basil. Who doesn't want to be Italian for a day when this dish is on the menu?

Preparation Time25 min

Cooking Time20 min

Easy

Kid FriendlyYes

Ingredients

1 (12-ounce) package Jumbo pasta shells, cooked
2 cups Ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cup Mozzarella, divided
1 cup Parmesan cheese
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cup marinara sauce, divided
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
3-4 fresh basil leaves, cut into ribbons for garnish

For another take on stuffed shells, check out this recipe for

Instructions

Lightly grease a 10-inch round baking dish, and your heat oven to 400 degrees F.
Cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet until ready to fill.
While the pasta shells are cooking, prepare the filling. In a large mixing bowl combine the ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, 1 cup parmesan, garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Using a small ice cream scoop or a spoon, fill each shell with 2 tablespoons of the filling.
In a round baking dish pour 1 cup of the marinara sauce. Place the shells cheese side up around the baking dish in a spiral pattern.
Pour ½ of the remaining marinara between the shells and top with the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese.
In a small bowl combine the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, and olive oil and mix well.
Sprinkle the panko mixture evenly over the stuffed shells.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden on top and cheese is bubbling.
Add the chopped basil. Let cool, and enjoy!

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Rnbowgrl

Oct 19, 2017

It has never dawned on me to have stuffed shells as an appetizer...but what a great idea and now that I think of it, can you imagine all of the different ways these can be made for any occasion? I love this idea! You know...I bet this would even be great for a quick snack or lunch served cold and stuffed with tuna salad too.

daniellek

Sep 22, 2017

I'm a huge fan of stuffed pasta shells, so I was really looking forward to trying this recipe! The Italian flavors were incredible in this dish, so I highly recommend this dish for anyone who loves Italian food!

ErinJ

Sep 20, 2017

These shells were amazing! Tons of cheese and a great mix of Italian flavors made this a must-keep recipe. But, since there is marinara sauce involved, I suggest eating with a fork instead of your hands if you are wearing a light-colored top!

Jim Moriarty

Sep 20, 2017

These have that perfect balance of cheese and spice that makes them truly exceptional. Eating them was pleasurable beyond compare, like having a transcental experience where, if only for a second, you're able to look inward and witness that divine, true self. Make these shells and know the flavors of universal one-ness.