Stuffed shells are usually synonymous with warm comfort foods during winter months, holiday meals, or Sundays with the family. In actuality, shells are one of the most versatile pasta cuts and are great for year-round dishes.
Try these delicious combinations at your next gathering—from Mexican-style and fresh veggies to chicken salad and savory pizza stuffings, shells are the perfect vessel for all kinds of fun, delicious ingredients. These easy-to-prepare recipes will surprise and delight friends and family at your next get-together.
Mexican Stuffed Shells
Take your taco night up a notch. This perfect summer staple has all those cheesy, savory flavors in easy-to-eat shells. Fill each shell with your favorite ingredients like tomatoes, chilies, beans, and corn for a mouth-watering and irresistible treat.
Ingredients
16 oz Pastene Italian Jumbo Shells
salt for the pasta water
1 Tbsp Pastene Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 small onion, diced
1 lb ground beef
1 10 oz can Pastene Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies
1 15 oz can Pastene Black Beans, drained and rinsed
1 ½ cups corn, fresh or frozen
¾ cup sour cream
3 cups Mexican cheese blend, divided
cooking spray
2 cups salsa
1 10 oz can enchilada sauce
green onions, chopped as garnish
cilantro, chopped as garnish
Salad Stuffed Shells
For a healthy, colorful appetizer to liven up your picnic table, these shells are a great way to get your daily dose of fresh vegetables. Check out this recipe for a snackable dish that’s filled with crunchy textures and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
24 Pastene Italian Jumbo Shells
1 bunch of asparagus tips, blanched
2 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp salt plus more for the pasta water
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Pastene Minced Garlic
¼ cup Pastene Balsamic Vinegar
½ cup Pastene Extra Virgin Olive Oil
6 salami slices, chopped
3 cups baby spinach leaves, chopped
1 cup grape tomatoes, sliced in half
¾ cup red onion, chopped
20 Pastene Whole Ripe Pitted Olives, chopped
⅓ cup fresh or frozen peas
1 avocado, diced
½ cup Pastene Grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Shells
For your next Friday movie night, rather than ordering out, try these simple, savory pepperoni pizza shells. With four types of cheese topped with Italian seasoning, these pull-apart pizzas are a fun way to elevate a night in with friends and family.
Ingredients
24-30 Pastene Italian Jumbo Shells
5 oz mini pepperoni, sliced and divided
15 oz ricotta cheese
12 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
2 tsp Italian seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup Pastene Grated Parmesan Cheese
¼ cup Pastene Grated Romano Cheese
1 ½ 15 oz can Pastene Pizza Sauce
2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Pizza Stuffed Shells with Black Olives
Switch up your traditional pizza flavors with a sprinkling of black olives. This one-dish bake only takes a few simple ingredients but it’s guaranteed to impress the family.
Ingredients
20-25 Pastene Italian Jumbo Shells
12 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup Pastene Grated Romano Cheese
1 ½ 15 oz cans Pastene Pizza Sauce
1 6.5 oz sliced ripe olives
2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Chicken Salad Stuffed Shells
For a cool, savory lunch at the beach, a light picnic treat, or easy BBQ fare, look no further than these shells stuffed with classic chicken salad—the perfect summertime shell sandwich. These crowd-pleasing snacks make for a quick, satisfying bite at any outdoor gathering.
Ingredients
30 Pastene Italian Jumbo Shells
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2 ½ inch chunks
2 celery ribs, chopped
½ cup Pastene Roasted Red Pepper, chopped
6 Pastene Castelvetrano Pitted Olives, minced
¼ cup chopped red onion
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
salt and pepper to taste
2 tsp fresh thyme, minced
Have you tried any unique stuffed shells? Show us your favorite recipe or try one of these and let us know what you think by tagging @pasteneusa or using #MyPastene on Instagram!
