Description
Indulge in comforting French Onion Stuffed Shells, perfect for impressing family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large sweet onions (sliced)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (to caramelize onions)
- to taste kosher salt
- to taste black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 cup gruyere cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 2 cups chicken stock (or beef/vegetable stock)
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- to taste fresh parsley or thyme (for garnish)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat the butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions with a pinch of kosher salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook, stirring often, until the onions are wonderfully caramelized, about 30 minutes, then stir in the minced garlic and turn off the heat.
- Cook the Pasta: While the onions are caramelizing, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package directions until al dente. Once done, drain the shells and let them cool on a baking sheet or plate.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready for baking these delicious shells.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, large egg, gruyere cheese, parmesan cheese, and a pinch of seasoning with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Blend in half of the caramelized onions to create a rich filling.
- Stuff the Shells: Take each cooled pasta shell and fill them generously with the cheesy onion mixture, being careful not to overstuff.
- Make the Sauce: Return to the skillet with the remaining onions. Set the heat to medium-low, then stir in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually add the stock while stirring, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens, then finish with cream and turn off the heat. Place the stuffed shells open-side up in the sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Bake: Pop the skillet in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until everything is golden and bubbling. Serve hot, topped with extra parmesan and fresh herbs for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: French Onion Stuffed Shells