Easy Unstuffed Shells Recipe for Lunch or Dinner
This easy unstuffed shells recipe is perfect for a luncheon when something simple yet delicious is needed. Do you need something easy to take to a potluck? Unstuffed shells are perfect because they can be made in advance and then baked in the oven right before your event.
This dish is of course perfect for an easy dinner that just about everyone will love. Our unstuffed shells recipe uses no ground beef or meat so it’s a great choice for “Meatless Monday” or any day you would like to serve your dinner meatless.
(We do love delicious meatless meals.)
Unstuffed Shells
Unstuffed shells are a simple and delicious substitute when you don’t have the time to make stuffed shells.
- 1 (16 oz.) box of medium shells
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 (15 oz.) container of ricotta cheese
- salt & pepper
- 2 medium eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 (28 oz.) jar pasta sauce
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
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Spray a 13 X 9 casserole dish with nonstick spray.
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In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, eggs and Parmesan cheese. Add a little salt & pepper to taste.
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Cook shells according to package instructions. Drain well and put cooked shells back in the same pot. Stir in butter to coat and then add the jar of sauce. Gently stir to combine.
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Layer half of the shells with sauce on the bottom of the casserole dish.
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Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture on top of the shells. Followed by the rest of the shells.
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Spread the rest of the ricotta cheese mixture and then sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese.
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Cover with foil and back for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 5 additional minutes.
This recipe starts out very similar to stuffed shells when you mix together the ricotta cheese, eggs and Parmesan. Don’t forget a few shakes of salt & pepper.
Use the back of a spoon to spread the cheese layer. You can add a little sprinkle of the shredded mozzarella here as well right after you spoon the shells into the casserole dish. (Just a little.) Then spread on the ricotta cheese layer.
The unstuffed shells are ready to go into the oven. Make sure to cover with foil before baking. You can also uncover and bake 5 additional minutes. This ensures everything is hot, bubbly and melted.
Leftovers are excellent so don’t be afraid of making too much. This recipe also freezes well to be used at a later date.
