Ingredients
Pasta:
6 ounces large pasta shells (approximately 20 shells)
Filling:
1 cup (246 g) ricotta cheese
Β½ cup (56.5 g) mozzarella cheese, grated
Β½ cup (50 g) parmesan cheese, grated
Β½ cup (50 g) romano cheese, grated
6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Β½ teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon fresh basil, finely diced
Sauce:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup yellow onion, finely diced
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
ΒΌ cup (27.5 g) sun-dried tomatoes, softened in hot water and chopped
2 teaspoons oregano
Β½ teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Β½ teaspoon pepper
ΒΌ cup (31 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (240 g) chicken broth
1 cup (238 g) heavy cream
1 cup (30 g) fresh baby spinach
ΒΌ cup (25 g) parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup (113 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
Basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1οΈβ£ Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). π₯
2οΈβ£ Cook the Pasta:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells 4 minutes less than the time indicated on the box (the shells will continue cooking in the oven). Drain the pasta and let it cool until you can handle it comfortably. π
3οΈβ£ Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, romano cheese, cream cheese, garlic, salt, pepper, and basil. Mix until smooth. π§πΏ
Transfer the filling mixture to a piping bag (or a zipped plastic bag with the corner cut off). Fill each pasta shell with the prepared mixture. Set aside. π
4οΈβ£ Make the Sauce:
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onions and cook until they are translucent and fragrant (about 5 minutes). π§
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. π§
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for a minute, then add the flour. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the mixture thickens. π
Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring with a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. π₯£
Add the heavy cream, spinach, and grated parmesan cheese. Continue cooking until the spinach is wilted, about 3-5 minutes. πΏπ§
5οΈβ£ Assemble the Dish:
In a 12-inch cast-iron skillet (or any oven-safe skillet), spread 1 cup of the prepared sauce. Place the stuffed pasta shells in an even layer on top of the sauce. π
Pour the remaining sauce over the pasta shells, ensuring they are fully covered to prevent them from drying out in the oven. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. π§
6οΈβ£ Bake:
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. Then, switch to the broil setting and broil the shells for 2-3 minutes, watching closely until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. π§π₯
7οΈβ£ Serve:
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving. Enjoy your delicious Tuscan Stuffed Shells! πβ¨
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes