Barefoot Contessa Stuffed Shells Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Dish

Barefoot Contessa Stuffed Shells represent a delightful Italian-inspired comfort dish that transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular meal.

Robust flavors mingle within tender pasta pockets, creating a sensational dining experience.

Cheese lovers will appreciate the rich, creamy filling that bursts with Mediterranean-style seasonings.

Delicate herbs and zesty spices elevate these shells from ordinary to extraordinary.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of textures and robust ingredients.

Home cooks can easily master this elegant yet straightforward recipe that impresses dinner guests with minimal effort.

What Makes Barefoot Contessa’s Stuffed Shells a Hit

• Create a Flavor Explosion: This stuffed shells recipe delivers a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired taste experience with layers of creamy ricotta, sharp pecorino, zesty lemon, and a hint of spicy red pepper flakes that dance on your palate.
• Master Simple Gourmet Cooking: Even novice cooks can easily prepare this impressive dish using straightforward techniques like steaming spinach, mixing cheeses, and baking, transforming basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal in just 40 minutes.
• Enjoy Versatile Comfort Food: These stuffed shells work perfectly as a cozy family dinner, elegant dinner party centerpiece, or make-ahead meal that can be prepped in advance and quickly heated when needed, making it incredibly convenient for busy home cooks.
• Pack in Nutritious Goodness: Loaded with protein-rich cheeses and nutrient-dense spinach, this recipe offers a delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while satisfying hearty comfort food cravings with minimal effort.

Ingredient Checklist for Barefoot Contessa’s Stuffed Shells

Main Ingredients:

• Pasta Shells: Large, hollow pasta perfect for stuffing with creamy fillings.
• Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrients and earthy flavor to the dish.
• Ricotta Cheese: Soft, creamy Italian cheese that creates a smooth and rich filling.
• Pecorino Cheese: Sharp, salty sheep's milk cheese that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a bold, pungent flavor to the filling.
• Oregano: Dried herb that adds a classic Mediterranean taste to the dish.
• Lemon Zest: Bright citrus element that brings freshness and complexity to the recipe.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy ingredient that gives a subtle heat to the stuffed shells.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all other flavors.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian tomato-based sauce that complements the cheesy shells.
• Olive Oil: Used to prevent pasta from sticking and add a light, smooth texture.

How to Assemble Barefoot Contessa’s Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Preheat The Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C) and get ready for a delicious adventure.

Step 2: Steam The Spinach

Place spinach in a steamer basket over simmering water. Steam for 1 minute until it wilts beautifully. Gently squeeze out excess water and chop into small pieces.

Step 3: Cook The Pasta Shells

Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Boil the pasta shells for 10 minutes until they reach perfect al dente texture. Drain and toss with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Create The Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Pecorino cheese
• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Lemon zest
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir until everything is well blended and looks incredibly tempting.

Step 5: Prepare The Baking Dish

Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish. Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the spinach and cheese mixture, nestling them into the sauce.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes until the shells are heated through and the flavors have melded together.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Bon appétit!

Expert Tips for Barefoot Contessa’s Stuffed Shells

• Maximize Spinach Freshness: Select crisp, bright green spinach leaves for a vibrant and flavorful filling that elevates the entire dish.
• Perfect Moisture Control: Gently press cooked spinach in a clean kitchen towel to remove every drop of excess water, creating a dense and creamy stuffing.
• Pasta Perfection Technique: Aim for a slightly firm texture when boiling shells, removing them from water just before they become completely soft to maintain structural integrity during baking.
• Anti-Stick Pasta Hack: A light coating of olive oil after draining prevents shells from clumping, making them easier to separate and stuff with the delicious filling.
• Prep Ahead Wisdom: You can assemble stuffed shells a day in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making dinner preparation a breeze.

Storing Barefoot Contessa’s Stuffed Shells the Right Way

• Vacuum Sealing: Protect stuffed shells from freezer burn by vacuum sealing individual portions. Removes all air, maintaining maximum flavor and texture for up to 4 months. Perfect for meal prepping and preserving delicate pasta dishes.
• Temperature-Controlled Storage: Keep shells at consistent 40°F in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth. Use shallow, wide containers that allow even cooling and prevent moisture buildup. Helps maintain optimal taste and food safety.
• Layer Separation: Place parchment paper between shell layers when storing in containers. Prevents shells from sticking together and makes reheating individual portions easier. Allows for clean, effortless separation without damaging delicate pasta structure.

Stuffed Shells, Reinvented: Barefoot Contessa’s Variations

• Protein Power Shells: Swap spinach with ground turkey or chicken, adding robust flavor and extra protein. Incorporate diced bell peppers for additional texture and nutrition.
• Mediterranean Magic: Replace marinara with creamy feta sauce, add kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes. Sprinkle fresh herbs like oregano and basil for authentic Greek-inspired taste.
• Veggie Lover's Dream: Include roasted zucchini, mushrooms, and eggplant in the cheese mixture. Use plant-based ricotta for a completely vegetarian version that doesn't compromise on richness.
• Spicy Southwest Shells: Mix in chorizo, black beans, and jalapeños for a bold, fiery version. Top with fresh cilantro and serve with a side of chipotle cream sauce for extra kick.

Final Scoop: Barefoot Contessa’s Stuffed Shells Reflection

Barefoot Contessa’s stuffed shells embody culinary elegance with Mediterranean charm.

Pasta shells become delicate vessels for creamy ricotta and zesty spinach.

Herbal notes of oregano and citrusy lemon zest dance across each bite.

Pecorino cheese adds salty complexity to this Italian-inspired masterpiece.

Marinara sauce creates a luscious backdrop for these Mediterranean delights.

Passionate chefs and hungry souls will crave these irresistible shells – so savor, snap a photo, share this recipe, comment below, and spread deliciousness with everyone who appreciates genuine flavor.

Barefoot Contessa Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s stuffed shells bring Italian comfort to dinner tables with rich ricotta and spinach nestled in tender pasta. Cheese lovers will savor each hearty, Mediterranean-inspired bite that promises warmth and deliciousness you can easily create at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 18 to 20 jumbo pasta shells

Cheese Ingredients:

• 2 cups (16 ounces/454 grams) ricotta cheese
• ¼ cup (30 grams) grated pecorino cheese, more for sprinkling

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 garlic cloves, grated
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ¾ teaspoon sea salt, more for the pasta water
• freshly ground black pepper

Vegetables and Greens:

• 5 ounces (142 grams) spinach

Sauce and Garnish:

• 2 cups marinara sauce, plus more for serving
• extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• chopped parsley, for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare a steamer basket and gently wilt fresh spinach leaves over simmering water for approximately 60 seconds, ensuring minimal moisture retention. Carefully drain and finely chop the wilted spinach.
2. Fill a large cooking pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge pasta shells and cook for 10 minutes until achieving a perfect al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and lightly coat with olive oil to prevent clumping.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped spinach with creamy ricotta cheese, sharp pecorino Romano, minced garlic, dried oregano, fragrant lemon zest, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Blend ingredients until uniformly incorporated.
4. Select a rectangular baking dish and generously spread marinara sauce across the bottom, creating an even base layer.
5. Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the prepared spinach and cheese mixture, arranging them methodically within the sauced baking dish.
6. Shield the dish completely with aluminum foil to retain moisture and prevent excessive browning. Transfer to a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) and bake for 20 minutes.
7. Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes. Serve immediately with additional warm marinara sauce alongside for optional drizzling.

Notes

• Freezing works best when individual stuffed shells are wrapped tightly in plastic and stored in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
• Prepping ingredients ahead saves time and allows flavors to meld together before final assembly.
• Grating cheese freshly provides more robust flavor compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
• Professional chefs recommend letting the dish rest 10-15 minutes after baking to help filling set and improve overall texture.
• Experimenting with different cheese combinations like ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan creates unique flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg