These Caprese stuffed shells combine the bright, fresh flavors of a classic Caprese salad with the heartiness of pasta. Tender jumbo shells are filled with a blend of creamy ricotta, fresh mozzarella, and sweet basil, then baked in a tangy tomato sauce and topped with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Perfect for a summer dinner or any time you crave light, fresh Italian-inspired comfort food.
Key Information:
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Number of servings: 4
- Serving size: 4-5 shells
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 880mg
Ingredients:
- 200g (7 oz) jumbo pasta shells (about 20 shells)
- 250g (1 cup) ricotta cheese
- 150g (1 1/4 cups) fresh mozzarella, diced
- 50g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 20 fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 400g (14 oz) marinara sauce
- 150g (1 cup) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Method of Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) casserole dish.
- Cook the pasta shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo shells until just al dente, about 9-10 minutes. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta, diced mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stuff the shells: Spoon the cheese filling into each cooked pasta shell, filling generously but not overstuffing.
- Prepare the dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the casserole dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish, seam side up. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the shells.
- Add cherry tomatoes: Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes on top of the shells. Drizzle the entire dish with olive oil.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is slightly golden.
- Finish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Cook shells al dente: Undercook the shells slightly so they don’t fall apart when baking.
- Use fresh ingredients: Opt for high-quality fresh mozzarella and ripe tomatoes to enhance the Caprese flavors.
- Make ahead: Assemble the stuffed shells in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready for an easy weeknight meal.
- Add protein: For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken or Italian sausage to the filling or scatter cooked prosciutto on top.
- Finish with balsamic glaze: The drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy contrast that elevates the whole dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, while fresh mozzarella is traditional, you can swap it for shredded mozzarella or even a mix of cheeses like fontina or provolone for added flavor.
- Can I freeze the stuffed shells? Yes, assemble the shells and freeze them (unbaked) in a single layer. When ready to bake, thaw them in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
- How can I make this dish vegetarian? This dish is already vegetarian-friendly. Just be sure your marinara sauce is free of meat-based ingredients.
- Can I use dried basil instead of fresh? Fresh basil brings the best flavor, but if using dried, reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon.
- Can I add meat to this dish? Yes! You can mix cooked Italian sausage or ground beef into the sauce or add it to the cheese filling for extra protein.
These Caprese stuffed shells are a delightful fusion of fresh, summery ingredients and classic Italian comfort food. Bursting with flavors of basil, mozzarella, and ripe tomatoes, every bite delivers a comforting yet refreshing taste of Italy. Whether you’re serving this as a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy!