Description
One Pot Unstuffed Shells is a deliciously simple twist on the classic stuffed pasta dish, perfect for busy weeknights when time is of the essence. This one-pot recipe marries tender large pasta shells with savory ground meat, creamy cheese, and rich marinara sauce—all cooked in harmony for effortless cleanup. In just 30 minutes, you can serve a hearty meal that pleases everyone at the table. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility; feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste. Enjoy it alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread for a delightful dining experience.
Ingredients
- 12–15 large pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef or sausage
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp dried Italian herbs
Instructions
- Cook the pasta shells in boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, brown the ground meat over medium heat; drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add cream cheese, mixing until melted and smooth.
- Fold in cooked pasta shells and sprinkle with herbs; combine gently.
- Top with mozzarella cheese and cover until melted.
Notes
Feel free to customize by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
For added flavor, marinate your meat in Italian seasonings before cooking.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to four days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg