jumbo shell pasta recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best jumbo shell pasta recipe

I’ve been making jumbo shell pasta for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The dish originated in Italy, where it’s known as ‘conchiglioni,’ and it’s a staple in many Italian households.

The name ‘jumbo shell’ refers to the large, conch-shaped pasta shells used in the recipe. I love this recipe because it’s easy to make and can be customized with a variety of fillings and sauces.

My kids adore it because it’s a fun twist on traditional pasta dishes. We often make it for special occasions like holidays and family gatherings, but it’s also a great weeknight dinner option.

The best part about jumbo shell pasta is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it as a main course or as a side dish, and the leftovers are just as delicious the next day. One of the key techniques in making this recipe is ensuring that the pasta is cooked al dente, which means it still has a bit of bite to it.

This helps the filling stay inside the shells when you serve them.

Jumbo Shell Pasta with Tomato and Garlic Sauce

4.8 from 1839 votes

A hearty jumbo shell pasta dish with a rich tomato and garlic sauce. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

2 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1 cup water

For the Sauce

1 cup tomato sauce
2 cloves garlic
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
salt and pepper to taste

For the Filling

1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1 egg
1 tbsp parsley
salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 425°F.
2In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
3Gradually add water while mixing until a dough forms.
4Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
6Roll out the dough to a thin sheet using a rolling pin.
7Use a jumbo shell pasta cutter to cut out shells.
8Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until lightly golden.
9Remove from the oven and let them cool.
10In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
11Add minced garlic and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
12Add tomato sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper.
13Simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
14Remove from heat and set aside.
15In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
16Spoon the cheese mixture into each baked pasta shell, filling them completely.
17Place the filled shells into a baking dish.
18Pour the tomato and garlic sauce over the shells, ensuring they are well coated.
19Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tops of the shells are lightly golden.
20Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
21Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
22Serve hot and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Rolling pin
Baking sheet
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

I always recommend making jumbo shell pasta for any occasion – whether it’s a holiday dinner or a weeknight meal.

The leftovers are just as delicious the next day, making it a great option for meal prep or for feeding a crowd.

You can store any leftover cooked jumbo shell pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Jumbo Shell Pasta with Tomato and Garlic Sauce

Q: What type of pasta is used in jumbo shell pasta?

Jumbo shell pasta uses large, conch-shaped pasta shells made from wheat flour and water.

Q: What are some common fillings used in jumbo shell pasta?

Common fillings include ricotta cheese mixed with herbs and spices, ground beef or sausage, and vegetables like spinach and mushrooms.

Q: Can jumbo shell pasta be made gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta shells to make this recipe.

Q: How do you cook jumbo shell pasta?

Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions, usually by boiling them in salted water until they’re al dente.

Q: Can you freeze jumbo shell pasta?

Yes, you can freeze cooked jumbo shell pasta for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

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