Olive Garden Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells: Easy Restaurant-Quality Pasta at Home

When you crave a hearty Italian meal that brings warmth and comfort, nothing quite satisfies like a plate of cheese-stuffed pasta shells. Inspired by the beloved dish from Olive Garden, this recipe for Olive Garden Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells: Easy Restaurant-Quality Pasta at Home transforms your kitchen into a cozy Italian eatery. With creamy ricotta, gooey melted cheese, and a rich marinara sauce, you’ll find yourself indulging in a restaurant-quality meal without ever leaving your home.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is a game-changer, providing a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy a classic dish. The combination of full-fat ricotta cheese and an Italian blend of cheeses creates a creamy, flavorful filling that pairs perfectly with the tender jumbo pasta shells. The addition of heavy cream to the marinara sauce adds richness and depth, ensuring every bite is a delight. Plus, the ease of preparation means you can whip this up for a weeknight dinner or an impressive gathering.

What’s in the Bowl

To craft these delectable Olive Garden Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells: Easy Restaurant-Quality Pasta at Home, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 2 teaspoons butter
• 15 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups full-fat ricotta cheese
• 1 cup Italian blend shredded cheese
• 1 egg
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 4 ounces heavy cream
• 3 ounces butter
• 3 ounces shredded parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley

What You’ll Need (Gear)

To create your Olive Garden Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells: Easy Restaurant-Quality Pasta at Home, gather the following equipment:

• Large pot – for boiling the pasta shells
• Mixing bowl – to combine the cheese filling
• Baking dish – to hold the assembled pasta shells
• Whisk – to beat the egg and mix the cheese
• Cooking spoon – for stirring marinara sauce
• Oven – for baking the assembled dish

Olive Garden Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells: Easy Restaurant-Quality Pasta at Home: Step-by-Step Guide

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this delicious dish.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A properly heated oven ensures your pasta shells will bake evenly and develop a beautiful golden crust.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the shells and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the full-fat ricotta cheese, Italian blend shredded cheese, and egg. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. This creamy filling is the heart of your Olive Garden Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells: Easy Restaurant-Quality Pasta at Home.

Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Shells

Take each cooked pasta shell and carefully stuff it with the cheese mixture. Place the stuffed shells seam-side up in a greased baking dish. Continue until all shells are filled.

Step 5: Prepare the Marinara Sauce

In a saucepan, melt 3 ounces of butter over medium heat. Add the marinara sauce and heavy cream, stirring until well blended and heated through. This decadent sauce will elevate your dish to the next level.

Step 6: Combine and Bake

Pour half of the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells in the baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded parmesan cheese on top, then pour the remaining sauce over the shells. For an added crunch, sprinkle bread crumbs on top before baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve hot.

Make It Year-Round

These Olive Garden Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells: Easy Restaurant-Quality Pasta at Home can be enjoyed throughout the year with a few tweaks:

• In the spring, add sautéed spinach or zucchini for a fresh twist.
• In the fall, incorporate roasted butternut squash into the cheese filling.
• For a winter comfort dish, mix in cooked sausage or ground turkey.
• During summer, pair with a fresh garden salad for a light meal.

Errors to Dodge

When making your Olive Garden Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells: Easy Restaurant-Quality Pasta at Home, keep an eye out for these common pitfalls:

• Overcooking the pasta shells can lead to breakage. Aim for al dente.
• Not preheating the oven properly can result in uneven baking.
• Skipping the cooling step after baking can make the shells difficult to serve.
• Forgetting to season the cheese filling may lead to blandness. Always taste and adjust!

Make-Ahead & Storage

Planning ahead? Here’s how to make your Olive Garden Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells: Easy Restaurant-Quality Pasta at Home a breeze:

Prepare the stuffed shells and place them in the baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To freeze, wrap the assembled dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Reheat baked shells in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, adding a splash of marinara sauce if needed.

Troubleshooting Q&A

What if my stuffed shells fall apart during cooking?

This often happens if the pasta is overcooked. Always aim for al dente pasta to maintain its shape during baking.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, feta, or even goat cheese for a unique flavor profile.

How can I make my marinara sauce more flavorful?

Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano, or a splash of red wine for a richer flavor.

What side dishes pair well with stuffed shells?

A crisp Caesar salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables make excellent accompaniments to your Olive Garden Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells: Easy Restaurant-Quality Pasta at Home.

You Might Also Like

If you enjoyed making Olive Garden Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells: Easy Restaurant-Quality Pasta at Home, you might also like:

• Classic Lasagna
• Pesto Pasta Salad
• Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni
• Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken

Final Thoughts

Creating Olive Garden Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells: Easy Restaurant-Quality Pasta at Home is not just about the food; it’s about bringing a piece of Italian comfort to your dining table. This recipe is straightforward, delicious, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether it’s a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, these stuffed shells are sure to impress. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and prepare to enjoy a delightful homemade Italian feast that rivals your favorite restaurant. Happy cooking!