Barefoot Contessa Stuffed Shells Recipe

The Barefoot Contessa Stuffed Shells Recipe brings comfort food magic to your dinner table.

This creamy, cheese-filled pasta dish combines rich ricotta with aromatic herbs. Each shell becomes a perfect vessel for indulgent filling.

The recipe delivers restaurant-quality results at home effortlessly. This beloved dish transforms simple ingredients into culinary excellence.

The Barefoot Contessa Stuffed Shells Recipe satisfies families and impresses dinner guests alike. Tender pasta shells cradle a luxurious cheese mixture beautifully.

Every bite offers perfect harmony of flavors and textures.

When I First Introduced

I discovered this Barefoot Contessa Stuffed Shells Recipe during a cozy Sunday dinner preparation. The aroma filled my kitchen with warmth and anticipation.

My family gathered around, drawn by the incredible smell. Since then, it’s become our most requested comfort meal.

The recipe never fails to create magical moments together.

Equipment List

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander for draining shells
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife for chopping herbs

Ingredients List

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 375°F degrees.
2. Boil pasta shells until al dente.
3. Drain shells and set aside completely.
4. Mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan together.
5. Add beaten egg to cheese mixture.
6. Stir in fresh basil and parsley.
7. Season mixture with salt and pepper.
8. Spread half marinara sauce in dish.
9. Fill each shell with cheese mixture.
10. Arrange stuffed shells in baking dish.
11. Top with remaining marinara sauce evenly.
12. Bake covered for 25-30 minutes.
13. Remove foil and bake 10 minutes.
14. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Cook shells just until al dente to prevent breaking during stuffing
• Use a small spoon or piping bag for easier filling
• Make filling day ahead and refrigerate for enhanced flavors
• Cover with foil to prevent cheese from over-browning
• Let shells rest before serving for better presentation

What to Serve With Barefoot Contessa Stuffed Shells Recipe

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing balances the rich pasta perfectly.
• Garlic Bread: Buttery, herb-crusted bread complements the Italian flavors beautifully.
• Roasted Vegetables: Colorful zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes add fresh, healthy contrast.

Conclusion

This Barefoot Contessa Stuffed Shells Recipe creates unforgettable family dining experiences effortlessly.

The combination of creamy cheeses and aromatic herbs delivers pure comfort. Every shell provides the perfect bite of indulgent satisfaction.

This recipe guarantees smiles around your dinner table tonight.

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Barefoot Contessa Stuffed Shells Recipe

The Barefoot Contessa Stuffed Shells Recipe brings comfort food magic to your dinner table.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8

Calories 340 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander for draining shells
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife for chopping herbs
• Wooden spoon for stirring

Ingredients

  

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 1 large egg beaten
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley minced
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F degrees.
• Boil pasta shells until al dente.
• Drain shells and set aside completely.
• Mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan together.
• Add beaten egg to cheese mixture.
• Stir in fresh basil and parsley.
• Season mixture with salt and pepper.
• Spread half marinara sauce in dish.
• Fill each shell with cheese mixture.
• Arrange stuffed shells in baking dish.
• Top with remaining marinara sauce evenly.
• Bake covered for 25-30 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake 10 minutes.
• Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Cook shells just until al dente to prevent breaking during stuffing
• Use a small spoon or piping bag for easier filling
• Make filling day ahead and refrigerate for enhanced flavors
• Cover with foil to prevent cheese from over-browning
• Let shells rest before serving for better presentation

Keyword Barefoot Contessa Stuffed Shells Recipe