Looking for a filling and delicious meal? Look no further than 2 shells (142 g) Jumbo Stuffed Shells! This dish packs in 300 calories per serving, making it perfect for those looking for a hearty meal.
Not only is this dish filling, but it's also packed with great nutrition! Each serving contains a good amount of protein, fiber, and vitamins. Keep reading to learn more about how to prepare this delicious meal and its nutritional benefits.
In this article, we'll explore the ingredients, preparation methods, serving suggestions, and variations of Jumbo Stuffed Shells. We'll also share some interesting facts about this traditional Italian dish.
What are Jumbo Stuffed Shells?
Jumbo Stuffed Shells are a traditional Italian dish that consists of large pasta shells filled with a variety of tasty ingredients. These shells are typically boiled until al dente, then filled with a mixture of cheese, meat, vegetables, and spices before being baked in the oven. The filling of Jumbo Stuffed Shells can vary widely depending on the recipe and personal preference. Popular fillings include ricotta cheese, spinach, ground beef, and marinara sauce. Overall, Jumbo Stuffed Shells are a flavorful and filling meal that is perfect for anyone looking for a taste of Italy!
What are the Ingredients of Jumbo Stuffed Shells?
The main ingredients in Jumbo Stuffed Shells include large pasta shells, cheese, meat, and vegetables. Here's a breakdown of the ingredients you'll need to make this delicious dish:
- Jumbo pasta shells
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Spinach
- Ground beef
- Marinara sauce
Feel free to adjust the filling ingredients to your liking, and experiment with different combinations of flavors to make this dish your own!
How to Prepare Jumbo Stuffed Shells?
Preparing Jumbo Stuffed Shells is relatively easy and can be done in just a few simple steps:
- Boil a large pot of water and add salt to taste. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, spinach, and ground beef (if using). Mix well.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the cheese mixture and place in a baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over the top of the stuffed shells.
- Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Take out of oven, let cool and serve hot.
Enjoy your freshly baked and delicious Jumbo Stuffed Shells with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!
Jumbo Stuffed Shells are a nutritious meal option that offers a variety of important nutrients. Here is the approximate nutritional information for 2 shells (142 g) of Jumbo Stuffed Shells:
- calories: 300
- Protein: 16 g
- Total Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 27 g
- Dietary Fiber: 5 g
- Sugars: 7 g
- Vitamin A: 40%
- Vitamin C: 20%
- Calcium: 30%
- Iron: 10%
Remember, these values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used in your recipe.
Benefits of Jumbo Stuffed Shells
Jumbo Stuffed Shells offer a variety of benefits, including:
- Rich in protein: The cheese and meat filling in Jumbo Stuffed Shells provides a good amount of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
- High in vitamins: The spinach and marinara sauce used in Jumbo Stuffed Shells are a great source of vitamins A and C, both of which are important for maintaining a healthy immune system.
- Filling: Jumbo Stuffed Shells are a filling meal that can help keep you satisfied and full for hours.
Overall, this delicious Italian dish can be a great addition to a healthy and balanced diet.
Serving Suggestions for Jumbo Stuffed Shells
Jumbo Stuffed Shells can be served in a variety of ways depending on your taste preferences. Here are a few serving suggestions to try:
- Serve with a side salad: Jumbo Stuffed Shells pair well with a simple side salad of greens, nuts, and dressing.
- Add extra cheese: For an extra cheesy and indulgent dish, top your Jumbo Stuffed Shells with extra mozzarella cheese before baking.
- Try different fillings: Mix things up by using different fillings such as mushrooms, sausage, or chicken.
Whatever serving suggestions you choose, be sure to enjoy this delicious dish with family and friends!
Variations of Jumbo Stuffed Shells
There are countless ways to customize and personalize Jumbo Stuffed Shells to your liking. Here are a few variations to try:
- Vegetarian: Swap out the ground beef for chopped or diced vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Seafood: Try adding shrimp or crab meat to the cheese mixture for a seafood twist on this classic dish.
- Spicy: Add some heat to the dish by incorporating spicy Italian sausage or red pepper flakes into the filling.
Don't be afraid to experiment and find your own variation that you love!
Where to Buy Jumbo Stuffed Shells?
Jumbo Stuffed Shells can typically be found in the pasta or international foods section of your local grocery store. Look for brands such as Barilla or De Cecco for high-quality pasta shells. If you can't find Jumbo Stuffed Shells at your local store, you can also purchase them online through retailers such as Amazon or Walmart.
How to Store Jumbo Stuffed Shells?
If you have any leftovers of Jumbo Stuffed Shells, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to reheat them thoroughly before eating to ensure food safety If you have a large batch of Jumbo Stuffed Shells that you would like to freeze for later use, you can do so by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until heated through.
Interesting facts about Jumbo Stuffed Shells
- Jumbo Stuffed Shells are also known as Conchiglioni in Italian.
- The first known recipe for Stuffed Shells dates back to the 16th century in the city of Naples.
- The world record for the largest Stuffed Shells was set in 2017 in New Jersey, USA. The shells were 8 feet long and weighed over 700 pounds!
Jumbo Stuffed Shells are a delicious and filling meal that is perfect for any occasion. With a variety of fillings and serving suggestions, this dish is sure to please even picky eaters!
5 FAQ about Jumbo Stuffed Shells
1. What is the serving size and calorie count for Jumbo Stuffed Shells?
One serving of Jumbo Stuffed Shells is two shells, weighing 142 g. It is approximately 300 calories per serving.
2. What are the ingredients in Jumbo Stuffed Shells?
Jumbo Stuffed Shells typically contain pasta shells, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, herbs, and spices.
3. Are Jumbo Stuffed Shells a healthy meal option?
While Jumbo Stuffed Shells can be a delicious meal option, they are typically high in calories, fat, and sodium. Moderation is key when enjoying this dish as part of a balanced diet.
4. How are Jumbo Stuffed Shells prepared?
To prepare Jumbo Stuffed Shells, the pasta shells are boiled until al dente, then filled with a mixture of ricotta and mozzarella cheese, herbs, and spices. The shells are then baked in the oven until golden brown and bubbly.
5. Can Jumbo Stuffed Shells be customized with different fillings?
Absolutely! Jumbo Stuffed Shells can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as spinach, ground beef, or even seafood to create a unique and delicious meal.