When it comes to comfort food, Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells hit all the right notes:
Cheesy, saucy, and oh-so-satisfying.
This Slow Cooker recipe makes the whole process effortless while enhancing the flavors beautifully.
It allows the ingredients to meld together, creating a depth of flavor that’s downright irresistible.
Plus, it keeps the stuffed shells moist and tender, making every bite a delicious experience.
It’s a satisfying dinner for the whole family! Enjoy
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells
Here are some serving suggestions to complement your delicious Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells:
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or garlic knots to soak up the delicious marinara sauce.
Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette or Caesar dressing pairs perfectly. Consider adding cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and croutons for added texture and flavor.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers for a healthy and colorful side dish.
Wine Pairing: Enjoy with a glass of red wine such as Chianti, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon. The robust flavors of the wine complement the rich, cheesy pasta.
Soup Starter: Begin the meal with a light soup like minestrone or a simple tomato basil soup to enhance the Italian dining experience.
Fresh Herbs: Garnish the stuffed shells with fresh basil, parsley, or a sprinkle of fresh oregano for added flavor and a pop of color.
Parmesan Cheese: Serve with extra grated Parmesan cheese on the side for guests to sprinkle on top as desired.
Antipasto Platter: Start with an antipasto platter featuring olives, marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers, and assorted Italian meats and cheeses.
Dessert: Conclude the meal with a light Italian dessert like tiramisu, panna cotta, or cannoli for a sweet finish.
Olive Oil Dipping Sauce: Provide a small dish of olive oil with herbs and spices for dipping bread, adding an extra touch of Italian authenticity.
These serving suggestions will enhance your Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells experience, creating a well-rounded and satisfying Italian meal for you and your guests. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips
Here are some cooking tips to help ensure your Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells turn out perfectly:
Undercook the Pasta: Cook the jumbo shells just until al dente, as they will continue to cook in the slow cooker. This prevents them from becoming too soft or mushy.
Use Quality Ricotta: For a creamier and richer filling, opt for whole milk ricotta cheese. You can also drain the ricotta in a fine-mesh sieve if it’s particularly watery.
Finely Chop Spinach: If using fresh spinach, chop it finely so it incorporates well into the filling. If using frozen spinach, make sure it’s thoroughly thawed and well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
Even Filling: Use a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with the corner snipped off to fill the shells evenly and with less mess.
Layering: If your slow cooker is small and you need to layer the shells, ensure each layer is well-covered with sauce to prevent them from drying out.
Add Extra Flavor: Enhance the filling with additional seasonings like a pinch of nutmeg, crushed red pepper flakes, or lemon zest for extra depth of flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the slow cooker. If necessary, cook in batches or use a larger slow cooker to ensure even cooking and proper sauce coverage.
Prevent Sticking: Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker before adding the stuffed shells to prevent them from sticking.
Check for Doneness: Cooking times can vary based on your slow cooker model. Start checking for doneness at the 3-hour mark. The shells should be tender and the cheese melted and bubbly.
Use Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor and color.
Cheese Melting: If you prefer a golden, bubbly top, you can transfer the stuffed shells to an oven-safe dish and broil them for a few minutes after cooking in the slow cooker.
Adjust Consistency: If the sauce appears too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of water, vegetable broth, or even a splash of red wine for added flavor.
Mix Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses in the filling, such as a blend of ricotta, mascarpone, or even some crumbled feta for a unique taste.
Serve Warm: For the best texture and flavor, serve the stuffed shells immediately after they are done cooking.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells are perfectly cooked, flavorful, and delicious every time. Enjoy!
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use different types of cheese in the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Ricotta is a classic choice, but you can mix in mascarpone, feta, or even cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
Can I prepare stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes, stuffed shells can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to cook. Assemble the dish the night before, cover tightly, and store in the fridge.
When ready to cook, just follow the slow cooker instructions.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free pasta shells and check that all other ingredients, like sauces, are gluten-free. There are plenty of gluten-free pasta options available that taste great.
Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
For the Shells:
- 1 box 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
- 1 container 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups fresh spinach chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the Shells:Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Filling:In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped spinach, minced garlic, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Stuff the Shells:Using a spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta mixture. Be generous but ensure the filling is evenly distributed among the shells.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker:Spread about 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker to prevent sticking.Place the stuffed shells in a single layer in the slow cooker. You may need to layer them slightly, depending on the size of your slow cooker.
- Add the Sauce:Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Add 1/2 cup of water to the marinara sauce jar, shake to mix, and pour over the shells to ensure they are well covered.
- Cook:Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the shells are tender and heated through.
- Add Final Cheese:About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the shells. Cover and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:Carefully remove the stuffed shells from the slow cooker using a large spoon or spatula. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Pasta: Don’t overcook the pasta shells initially; they should be just al dente since they will cook further in the slow cooker.
- Filling: For a smoother filling, blend the ricotta cheese mixture in a food processor before stuffing the shells.
- Layering: If you need to layer the shells in the slow cooker, add a little sauce between the layers to prevent them from sticking together.
- Spinach: If using frozen spinach, ensure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Asiago or Fontina for a unique flavor.