Herb & Zucchini Stuffed Jumbo Shells are a delightful and hearty dish that perfectly blends the savory flavors of fresh herbs and creamy cheeses with tender zucchini. This comforting recipe is not only satisfying but also offers a nutritious twist, making it ideal for a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. The jumbo pasta shells serve as a vessel for a flavorful filling, ensuring each bite is bursting with deliciousness.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 300
- Protein: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
Why Make This Herb & Zucchini Stuffed Jumbo Shells
These Herb & Zucchini Stuffed Jumbo Shells are a fantastic way to enjoy a meat-free meal without skimping on flavor or satisfaction. The combination of creamy ricotta, rich mozzarella, and savory Parmesan cheese, harmonized with fresh herbs and tender zucchini, creates a filling that is both indulgent and wholesome. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while still enjoying the comforting taste of pasta. Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile; whether you’re serving it at a cozy family dinner or preparing a dish for a potluck, it’s sure to impress!
How to Make Herb & Zucchini Stuffed Jumbo Shells
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Begin by cooking the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions, ensuring they are cooked al dente. Once done, drain the shells and set them aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Sautéing
In a skillet, add a little olive oil and sauté the finely chopped zucchini over medium heat until it becomes tender. This step enhances the natural sweetness of the zucchini and adds depth to the filling.
Step 3: Mixing
In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed zucchini, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated, creating a creamy and flavorful filling.
Step 4: Stuffing
Take each jumbo shell and carefully stuff it with the delicious cheese and zucchini mixture. Don’t worry if a little spills out; that just adds to the charm of this dish.
Step 5: Baking
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish and pour the remaining marinara sauce on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Step 6: Finishing
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown. The wonderful aroma will fill your kitchen, enticing everyone for dinner!
Step 7: Serve
Serve the deliciously stuffed jumbo shells warm. Enjoy the combination of flavors, the heartiness of the pasta, and the freshness of the herbs in each bite.
How to Serve Herb & Zucchini Stuffed Jumbo Shells
These stuffed shells are fantastic on their own but can be complemented with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs on top before serving for an extra layer of flavor. They make a beautiful presentation on any dinner table!
How to Store Herb & Zucchini Stuffed Jumbo Shells
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also freeze the stuffed shells before baking; just cover them with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, allowing extra time for them to cook through.
Expert Tips for Perfect Herb & Zucchini Stuffed Jumbo Shells
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare and stuff the shells ahead of time and keep them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs. Fresh spinach or kale can also be added to the filling for an extra nutrient boost.
- Cheese Choices: Mix different types of cheese according to your preference; goat cheese or feta can add a flavorful twist.
- Customize Your Sauce: Try different marinara sauces or even a pesto sauce for a unique flavor profile.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Ensure that the pasta shells are cooked al dente as they will cook more in the oven.
Delicious Variations
- Meat Lovers: Add ground beef or turkey to the cheese mixture for a heartier dish.
- Spice It Up: Incorporate red pepper flakes into the filling for a little heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free jumbo shells or try other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini boats for a low-carb option.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use frozen zucchini?
Yes, frozen zucchini can work well, just make sure to thaw and drain it to remove excess moisture. -
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese can be a great substitute, or you can blend cream cheese for a creamier texture. -
Is it necessary to cover the dish when baking?
Covering the dish helps to keep the moisture in, but you can leave it uncovered during the last baking stage to achieve a bubbly top. -
Can I bake these stuffed shells without marinara sauce?
Yes, you can bake them simply with cheese on top, or use a creamy sauce instead. -
What’s the best way to know they’re fully cooked?
The cheese on top should be melted and golden brown, and the filling should be heated through.
Conclusion
Herb & Zucchini Stuffed Jumbo Shells are a delicious and satisfying dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for sharing. The combination of fresh herbs, creamy fillings, and chewy pasta creates a comforting meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for a family or entertaining friends, this recipe is sure to bring smiles to the table. Give it a try, and enjoy the delightful flavors of this flavorful dish!
Print
Herb & Zucchini Stuffed Jumbo Shells
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful blend of fresh herbs, creamy cheeses, and tender zucchini stuffed into jumbo pasta shells, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 medium zucchini, finely chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (basil, parsley, etc.)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the chopped zucchini until tender.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sautéed zucchini, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, herbs, salt, and pepper to create the filling.
- Stuff each shell with the mixture carefully.
- Spread marinara sauce in a baking dish, place stuffed shells inside, and pour remaining sauce on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Serve with a green salad or garlic bread. Customize cheese and herbs based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
