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Close-up of golden baked Shallot, Bacon & Parmesan Stuffed Shells in a red sauce, topped with melted cheese and fresh parsley.

Shallot, Bacon & Parmesan Stuffed Shells

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Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these jumbo pasta shells generously stuffed with a savory blend of crispy bacon, sweet caramelized shallots, creamy ricotta, and rich Parmesan cheese, all baked in a vibrant tomato sauce.

  • Total Time: 70 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings (approx. 18 shells) 1x

Ingredients

Scale

18 jumbo pasta shells
6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
3 large shallots, thinly sliced
15 oz (425g) ricotta cheese
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
1 large egg
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
24 oz (approx. 3 cups) marinara sauce, divided

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse immediately with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, reserving 1-2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
Step 3: Add the thinly sliced shallots to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Cook over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shallots are soft, translucent, and lightly caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, the egg, chopped fresh parsley, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper. Fold in the cooked crispy bacon and caramelized shallots until well combined.
Step 5: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 6: Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta-bacon-shallot mixture. Arrange the filled shells in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
Step 7: Spoon the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, ensuring each shell is well-covered. Sprinkle generously with additional Parmesan cheese.
Step 8: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Step 9: Let the Shallot, Bacon & Parmesan Stuffed Shells rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This dish can be assembled up to a day in advance and refrigerated. Increase covered baking time by 10-15 minutes if baking from cold. Leftovers store well in airtight containers and also freeze beautifully.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Dishes & Savory Recipes
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 large shell with sauce
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 890mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
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