Are you a pasta lover looking for a dish that's hearty, indulgent, and so delicious it feels like a million bucks? Look no further! This Million Dollar Stuffed Shells recipe combines tender pasta shells stuffed with creamy, cheesy goodness, and topped with rich marinara and melted cheese. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or just when you're in the mood for comfort food on a budget!
This recipe is simple to follow but delivers gourmet flavors that are sure to impress. Whether you're cooking for picky eaters or pasta enthusiasts, these stuffed shells will leave everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Million Dollar Dish
What makes this dish so special?
- Budget-Friendly: Despite its name, this meal doesn’t require fancy ingredients and is easy on your wallet.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection—every bite is flavorful and satisfying.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it ahead of time, freeze it, or bake it fresh when you need an easy dinner.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual weeknights to special dinners, this dish works every time.
Get your ingredients ready, and let's turn your kitchen into an Italian trattoria!
Ingredients for Million Dollar Stuffed Shells
Here's what you'll need to make this incredible dish:
Pasta and Filling
- 18–20 large pasta shells (jumbo shells)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Topping
- 2 ½ cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Optional Extras (to elevate the dish):
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes for a bit of heat
- Fresh basil for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Million Dollar Stuffed Shells
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente (according to package instructions). Be careful not to overcook them as they’ll bake later.
- Drain the shells and rinse them under cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling
- Grab a mixing bowl and combine ricotta, cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Blend the ingredients thoroughly until you get a smooth and creamy mixture. Voilà—your million-dollar filling is ready!
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 4: Stuff the Shells
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9x13-inch oven-safe baking dish.
- Using a spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture. Don’t overfill!
- Nestle the stuffed shells in the baking dish on top of the sauce.
Step 5: Add the Sauce and Cheese
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells.
- Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top for that gooey, cheesy finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Take the dish out of the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Serve hot and enjoy a million-dollar meal that your family will rave about!
Expert Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shells
- Don’t Overcook the Shells: Slightly undercook the pasta since it will finish cooking as it bakes.
- Customize the Filling: Swap out cottage cheese for cream cheese if you prefer an even creamier texture. Add cooked ground beef or sausage to the filling for a meaty twist.
- Make It Extra Saucy: If you like your stuffed shells with more sauce, double the marinara portion and add extra to the bottom and top.
- Freezing Option: Want to prep ahead? Assemble the stuffed shells in a freezer-friendly dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra 15 minutes to the cook time.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Budget-Friendly Meals
Even though this dish tastes like a million bucks, it’s incredibly cost-effective to make! By using everyday supermarket ingredients and affordable cheeses, you can create a dish that rivals restaurant-quality meals. Plus, its versatility means you can customize it with whatever you have on hand.
The recipe also makes generous portions, so you’ll likely end up with leftovers—perfect for reheating as a quick lunch the next day!
Serve It Like a Pro
Pair your Million Dollar Stuffed Shells with these sides for a complete Italian-inspired dinner:
- A fresh Caesar salad with crunchy croutons
- Garlic bread toasted to perfection
- A glass of red wine or sparkling water infused with lemon
Don’t forget to wow your guests by sprinkling extra grated Parmesan right at the table for that professional touch.
Taste the Million-Dollar Difference
There you have it—a simple yet indulgent recipe that delivers maximum flavor without breaking the bank. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a date night, or meal prepping for the week, you can’t go wrong with Million Dollar Stuffed Shells.
This is your moment to elevate your pasta game. Try this recipe today and experience why it’s worth every bite. And if you do, share your creation with us on Instagram using the hashtag #MillionDollarShells!
Happy cooking!
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