Roasted Broccoli Stuffed Shells Recipe (2024)

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Ingredients Instructions FAQs

I think roasting broccoli is the absolute best way to enjoy it. It was hard not to sneak bites straight from the pan before mixing them with the cheese for this Roasted Broccoli Stuffed Shells Recipe! Lately I’ve also been charring broccoli in a dry cast iron skillet, like in this recipe, which is also great if you like that charred crispy bite. Roasted or charred broccoli can be added to just about anything, grilled cheese, pasta, rice bowls, or even eggs.

Roasted Broccoli Stuffed Shells Recipe (1)

As for the Stuffed Shells, they hold a special place in my heart. This time of year, two years ago, a dear friend brought us (parenting newbies) a big pan of stuffed shells. They were absolutely one of the most comforting meals we enjoyed during that season. I had never made stuffed shells before and they just seemed to hit the spot as we held our little bundle and ate together on that cool spring night years ago.

Roasted Broccoli Stuffed Shells Recipe (2)

My friend’s stuffed shells were the classic style which is perfect without any change. Of course I love to put a little seasonal spin on things so for this recipe, I added plenty of crispy toasted broccoli to a mixture of three cheeses and a few seasonings.

Roasted Broccoli Stuffed Shells Recipe (3)

The recipe is easy. Roast the broccoli, meanwhile mix the cheese and boil the pasta. Chop the broccoli, then fill the pasta with the cheese and broccoli. Layer the shells in-between marinara then bake until bubbly. Enjoy with extra marinara, and of course, wine and toasty bread. And if you have a tiny baby to hold, it will make this meal even more dreamy 🙂

Roasted Broccoli Stuffed Shells Recipe (4)

Broccoli is almost out of season (though its available all year, it’s not always at its best!) so get this recipe in while broccoli is still at its tastiest. And if you’re looking for more early spring recipe ideas, we have plenty. See below for all of the #EatSeasonal recipes for this month. For the full list of seasonal produce, check out my seasonal produce guide or the seasonal recipe guide from Cookie and Kate.

Roasted Broccoli Stuffed Shells Recipe (5) Roasted Broccoli Stuffed Shells Recipe (6)

Roasted Broccoli Stuffed Shells Recipe (7)

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Roasted Broccoli Stuffed Shells Recipe (8)

Add roasted broccoli to a simple stuffed shell recipe for an easy, seasonal spin on an Italian-style meal.

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Prep Time 35 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian, vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 2 broccoli crowns
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 24 jumbo pasta shells
  • 16 ounces (one container) ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup Mozzarella, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan, shredded
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 26 ounces (3 cups) Marinara sauce

Instructions

To roast the broccoli

  • preheat the oven to 375 and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Chops the broccoli into bite sized pieces and toss with olive oil and minced garlic. Season with salt and lay flat on the baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until slightly brown and crispy.

For the pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in the pasta shells (a few more than 24 incase a few break while cooking). Boil for 8-10 minutes or until slightly soft but with a slight bite. (They will cook more when they are baking).

  • While the pasta is cooking, mix together the three cheeses and the salt and cayenne. Once broccoli is done, roughly chop and add this to the cheese.

  • Pour 1 cup of the marinara into a rectangular baking dish.

  • Once pasta is done, drain the water, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Fill each shell with cheese and place in the baking dish. Mix together 1 more cup of the marinara with the 1/2 cup of pasta water and pour this over the top of the filled shells.

  • Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes at 350 covered, then, uncover and bake for 5-10 more minutes or until bubbly.

  • Serve with remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce.

Posted in

Dinner, Fall, One Dish Dinners, Spring, Vegetarian

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Roasted Broccoli Stuffed Shells Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What temperature to bake stuffed shells? ›

Divided evenly, the filling should be enough for 18-20 shells. Next, bake. Spread 2 cups of marinara sauce at the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Nestle in the shells, cover the dish with foil, and bake for 20 minutes at 425°F.

How to heat stuffed shells? ›

To reheat non-casserole baked pasta dishes, such as stuffed jumbo shells, place the shells in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake at 375 degrees until the shells' internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

What is the minimum cooking temperature for stuffing? ›

How do you safely cook stuffing? The stuffed meat, poultry, or stuffing in a casserole should be placed immediately after preparation in an oven set no lower than 325 °F. A food thermometer should be used to ensure that the stuffing reaches the safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F.

How long to reheat stuffed shells in the oven at 350 degrees? ›

STUFFED SHELLS-350* OVEN, UNCOVERED FOR 40-45 MINUTES. MANICOTTI-350* OVEN, UNCOVERED FOR 30-35 MINUTES. SIDES: GREEN BEANS-350* OVEN, ADD A BIT OF WATER TO BOTTOM OF PAN, COVERED FOR 20-25 MINUTES.

Why are my stuffed shells hard? ›

Don't Overcook the Pasta Shells!

Do not, I repeat, DO NOT over cook your pasta shells. In fact, I want you to undercook them! Boil them in a large pot of salt water for exactly 5 minutes, then drain them well and gently pat them dry. The shells will still be relatively hard, but just soft enough for you to stuff them.

What pairs well with stuffed shells? ›

Best Side Dishes for Stuffed Shells
  • Onion Rings.
  • Stuffed Peppers.
  • Cobb Salad.
  • Quinoa salad.
  • Steamed Broccoli.
  • Deviled Eggs.
  • Apple Bread.
  • Roasted Carrots.
Oct 25, 2022

How long does it take to cook shell pasta? ›

COOKING YOUR PASTA
  1. Bring 4 - 6 quarts of water to a rolling boil, add salt to taste.
  2. Add pasta to boiling water.
  3. For pre-bake cooking time; boil uncovered for 9 minutes, stirring occasionally. ...
  4. OR, to serve with your favorite Barilla sauce, boil uncovered for 12 minutes and drain well.
  5. Enjoy.

How long do you cook sea shells for? ›

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the seashells, and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Drain.

How long to heat refrigerated stuffed shells? ›

STUFFED SHELLS-350* OVEN, UNCOVERED FOR 40-45 MINUTES. MANICOTTI-350* OVEN, UNCOVERED FOR 30-35 MINUTES.

How long to cook small shells? ›

Cooking Directions

Bring water to a rapid boil. Add salt for flavor (optional). Add pasta and stir; return to rapid boil. Cook uncovered 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

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