Easy Pioneer Woman Stuffed Shells Recipe: Cozy Family Favorite

Pioneer Woman’s stuffed shells transform ordinary pasta into a comforting Italian-inspired masterpiece that captures the essence of hearty home cooking.

Cheese lovers will adore this creamy, rich dish packed with robust flavors and luxurious textures.

Each shell cradles a delightful mixture of smooth ricotta and tangy Romano, creating a symphony of taste sensations.

Fragrant herbs weave through the filling, elevating the traditional recipe with vibrant freshness.

The marinara sauce blankets these delicate shells, adding a bright, zesty counterpoint to the dense cheese interior.

Families gather around this welcoming dish, sharing laughter and creating memories with every delectable bite.

Warm, inviting, and guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning palate: let’s dive into this irresistible culinary adventure.

Innovative Twists On Pioneer Woman Stuffed Shells

• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace Romano cheese with crumbled feta, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and incorporate dried oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Shell Upgrade: Mix ground chorizo into the ricotta filling, sprinkle green chiles, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Vegetarian Garden Harvest: Swap meat with roasted zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms, then blend into the ricotta mixture for a vegetable-packed alternative that maximizes nutritional value.
• Creamy Seafood Edition: Fold in crab meat or shrimp into the cheese mixture, garnish with fresh dill, and use lighter white sauce instead of traditional marinara for an elegant seafood transformation.

Parting Thoughts On Pioneer Woman Stuffed Shells

Shells brimming with creamy ricotta and aromatic herbs bring Italian comfort straight to your dinner table.

Layers of marinara and melted cheeses create a symphony of flavors that dance across each bite.

Parmesan and mozzarella crown this classic pasta dish with irresistible golden-brown perfection.

Family gatherings and casual weeknight dinners find their culinary highlight with these indulgent shells.

Rich textures and Mediterranean-inspired ingredients promise a memorable meal that feels like a warm embrace from nonna’s kitchen.

Passionate epicureans, share this recipe, spread delicious inspiration, and let your comments celebrate this soul-satisfying Italian masterpiece.

Discover The Hearty Appeal Of Pioneer Woman Stuffed Shells

• Savor Creamy Cheese Bliss: Dive into a luxurious blend of ricotta, Romano, and two melty cheeses that create an incredibly rich and indulgent filling. Each shell bursts with a smooth, velvety texture that melts in your mouth, delivering pure comfort food satisfaction.
• Whip Up Effortless Italian Elegance: This recipe brings restaurant-quality Italian cuisine right to your home kitchen with minimal cooking skills required. Straightforward steps and common ingredients make it a foolproof dish that looks and tastes impressively gourmet, perfect for busy home cooks wanting to create something special.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: The recipe offers fantastic flexibility with fresh herbs like basil and parsley, allowing you to adjust seasonings and make the dish uniquely yours. Whether you're craving a classic rendition or want to experiment with additional spices, these stuffed shells welcome your personal culinary creativity.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Superstar: Ready in just one hour and requiring simple preparation, this recipe transforms an ordinary evening into a delightful dining experience. From busy families to solo cooks, these stuffed shells provide a satisfying meal that feels like a weekend treat but comes together in no time.

Key Ingredients For Pioneer Woman Stuffed Shells

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large shells perfect for stuffing, important for holding the creamy cheese mixture.
• Whole-Milk Ricotta Cheese, Romano Cheese: Creamy base for filling, rich in flavor and provides smooth texture.
• Large Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture together and adds structure.
• Fresh Parsley, Fresh Basil Leaves: Adds bright, fresh flavor and aromatic notes to the cheese mixture.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian tomato sauce that adds moisture and traditional flavor to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Provides golden, melty cheese topping with rich, sharp flavor.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the dish.
• French Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up extra sauce.

How To Assemble Pioneer Woman Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to create the perfect cooking environment for your delicious stuffed shells.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of kosher salt. Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Create Cheese Filling

• Whole-milk ricotta cheese
• Grated Romano cheese
• Minced fresh parsley
• 12 fresh basil leaves, chiffonade
• 1 large egg

Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until ingredients are well blended.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Dish

Spread 1 jar of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 5: Stuff the Shells

Carefully fill each pasta shell with the ricotta cheese mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells on top of the marinara sauce in the baking dish.

Step 6: Add Additional Sauce

Pour the second jar of marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 7: Top with Cheese

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Grated mozzarella cheese

Step 8: Initial Baking

Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Step 9: Final Baking

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes. Look for golden, bubbly cheese on top.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the stuffed shells hot. Pair with crusty French bread for dipping into the delicious sauce. Savor the rich, cheesy goodness of this comforting dish.

Useful Pointers For Pioneer Woman Stuffed Shells

• Master Pasta Placement: Arrange shells carefully in the baking dish, ensuring they're snug but not overcrowded for even cooking and perfect presentation.
• Rescue Delicate Shells: Gently handle cooked pasta using tongs or a slotted spoon to prevent tearing and maintain structural integrity during stuffing.
• Boost Flavor Dynamics: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or oregano mixed into the ricotta for an unexpected burst of aromatic goodness.
• Temperature Transition Trick: Let assembled shells rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking to help them heat more evenly and prevent sudden temperature shock.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Layer different cheeses like mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta for a complex, gooey texture that elevates the entire dish.

Tips For Keeping Pioneer Woman Stuffed Shells Fresh

• Freezer Preservation: Flash-freeze individual shells on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking. Transfer frozen shells into vacuum-sealed bags, removing excess air to maintain quality and prevent freezer burn. Consume within two months for optimal taste and texture.
• Refrigerator Storage: Seal completely cooled shells in glass containers with tight-fitting lids to preserve moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods. Layer shells carefully, using parchment paper between rows to prevent sticking. Consume within four days for best results.
• Meal Prep Strategy: Divide larger batches into portion-sized containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners. Label containers with date and contents to track freshness and reduce food waste. Select containers that are microwave and dishwasher safe for convenient reheating and cleaning.

Pioneer Woman Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian-American Pioneer Woman Stuffed Shells promise rich comfort and cheesy delight. Generous pasta shells cradle a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, baked to golden perfection for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) jumbo pasta shells
• 30 ounces (850 grams) whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 8 ounces (226 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 8 ounces (226 grams) mozzarella cheese, grated

Cheese and Herbs:

• ½ cup (50 grams) grated Romano cheese
• 2 tablespoons (8 grams) minced fresh parsley
• 12 leaves fresh basil, cut into chiffonade
• 1 large egg

Seasonings and Sauce:

• 2 jars good-quality marinara sauce
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Crusty French bread, for serving

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), preparing a welcoming environment for the pasta shells.
2. Fill a large pot with water, add a hearty pinch of kosher salt, and cook the jumbo pasta shells until they reach a tender al dente texture. Carefully drain and allow the shells to cool completely.
3. Create a rich filling by combining whole-milk ricotta cheese, Romano cheese, fresh parsley, delicate basil chiffonade, and a single large egg in a mixing bowl. Season with freshly ground black pepper, stirring until the ingredients meld together seamlessly.
4. Prepare the baking dish by spreading a generous layer of marinara sauce across the bottom, creating a flavorful foundation for the shells.
5. Methodically fill each pasta shell with the creamy ricotta mixture, positioning them carefully atop the sauce-covered base of the baking dish.
6. Generously cascade the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor penetration.
7. Liberally distribute grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses across the top, creating a tempting golden blanket of dairy goodness.
8. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven, allowing the shells to bake for 30 minutes, letting the flavors intensify and meld.
9. Remove the foil and return to the oven for an additional 15 minutes, watching as the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece.
10. Serve immediately, accompanied by crusty French bread to capture every last drop of the luscious sauce, creating a truly memorable dining experience.

Notes

• Master Pasta Precision: Carefully boil jumbo shells until just tender, ensuring they maintain structural integrity for seamless stuffing and baking.
• Oil Prevention Technique: Gently coat freshly cooked shells with olive oil to prevent unwanted clumping and maintain individual shell separation.
• Ultimate Cheese Finish: Transform the dish’s appearance by strategically broiling the top, creating a stunning golden-brown cheese crust that adds irresistible texture.
• Advance Preparation Strategy: Craft the entire dish in advance by assembling and refrigerating, allowing flavors to meld while simplifying meal preparation.
• Creative Filling Exploration: Elevate the basic ricotta mixture by incorporating diverse ingredients like sautéed vegetables, ground proteins, or unexpected herbs for personalized culinary excitement.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 605 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg