Ever wondered what it feels like to have a bowl of comfort? My slow cooker stuffed shells are the culinary embodiment of a warm hug. They’re the perfect marriage of soft pasta, gooey cheese, and flavorful marinara, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s like coming home after a long day and slipping on your coziest pajamas, but in food form. Can you sense the comfort oozing from this dish already?
When I think of this recipe, I remember my Italian grandmother’s cooking; hearty, flavorful, and made with love. She always believed in the magic of slow cooking, a method she said allowed flavors to mingle and mature like a good friendship. This dish pays homage to her, and I can’t wait to share it with you. Are you ready to dive into the comforting world of slow cooking?
Why Slow Cooked Stuffed Shells?
There are many reasons to love this recipe, and its simplicity is at the top of the list. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the rich flavors to blend together beautifully. It’s like a symphony where each ingredient gets its chance to shine, creating a harmonious finish.
And talk about versatility! This dish is perfect for a weekday family dinner, a potluck gathering, or even a fancy dinner party. It’s a chameleon of a dish, fitting into any culinary occasion with ease and elegance. Plus, who doesn’t love a good, hearty pasta dish?
The Magic Ingredients
The ingredients for this dish are simple and straightforward, but they pack a punch. It’s like a minimalist painting; the fewer elements there are, the more impactful each one becomes. The pasta, cheese, and marinara sauce are the main stars here, complemented by a mixture of herbs and spices.
Prepping the Shells
Prepping the shells is a breeze. Start by boiling them until they’re just al dente. The trick here is not to overcook them, since they’ll continue to cook in the slow cooker. It’s like setting up a strong foundation for a house; if you get this step right, the rest of the process becomes so much easier.
Then, stuff the shells with a delightful mix of cheeses and herbs. This step adds depth to the dish and elevates the humble pasta shells to something extraordinary. It’s a bit like being a sculptor, shaping and molding something beautiful out of raw material.
The Recipe Breakdown
Now that we’ve set the stage, it’s time for the main act. Here is the breakdown of the steps needed to create this comforting dish. From the ingredients needed to the time required for preparation and cooking, you’ll find everything you need to know in the sections that follow.
Ingredients
- 1 package jumbo pasta shells
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 lb. ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the pasta shells until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix together ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each shell with the cheese mixture.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the slow cooker, then pour the rest of the marinara sauce over them.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 420 per serving