French Onion Stuffed Shells
Ingredients:
▪️4 sweet onions, thinly sliced
▪️4 tablespoons unsalted butter
▪️kosher salt and pepper
▪️½ teaspoon dried thyme
▪️2 garlic cloves, minced
▪️8 ounces jumbo pasta shells, you need about 20 shells
▪️2 cups ricotta cheese
▪️1 large egg
▪️1 cup grated gruyere cheese
▪️¼ cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
▪️1 tablespoon flour
▪️1 ½ cups chicken, beef or vegetable stock
▪️⅓ cup cream
▪️1 cup grated mozzarella cheese, for topping
▪️¼ cup seasoned breadcrumbs, for topping
▪️fresh parsley or thyme for topping
Instructions:
Heat the butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Stir in the onions with a pinch of salt, pepper and thyme. It’s important to season each layer of cooking here! Cook, stirring often, until the onions caramelize, about 30 minutes. Be sure to watch them closely so they don’t burn! Turn down the heat if needed and continue to stir. Once caramelized, stir in the garlic. Turn off the heat once finished, but leave them in the pan.
While the onions are cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to the directions. Once cooked, drain them and place them on a baking sheet or plate to cool.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
In a bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, egg, gruyere cheese, parmesan cheese and a pinch of salt, pepper and dried thyme. Take half of the caramelized onions from the pan and stir them into the ricotta mixture. This is your filling!
Fill each shell with the filling, stuffing it full but not overflowing
Turn the heat to medium-low under the remaining onions in the pan. Stir in the tablespoon of flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly stream in the stock while stirring. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes - the mixture will thicken a bit. Stir in the cream. Turn off the heat and place the shells open-side up in the french onion sauce. Top with the mozzarella cheese and breadcrumbs.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden and bubbly. Serve immediately with extra parmesan and fresh herbs on top.
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French Onion Stuffed Shells are a delightful twist on traditional stuffed pasta dishes, combining the sweet, rich flavors of caramelized onions with creamy cheese and comforting pasta. These stuffed shells are ideal for both special occasions and cozy family dinners. To elevate your dish, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the filling for added flavor. Customize the cheese blend according to your taste preferences—mix in some mozzarella or cheddar for a cheesy experience that melts in your mouth. Pair your stuffed shells with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. This recipe not only satisfies but also showcases the wonderful versatility of pasta in various cuisines. With the right balance of flavors and textures, these shells are sure to become a family favorite! When preparing your stuffed shells, be sure to let the onions caramelize slowly to develop their full flavor. Patience is key! If you would like to make the dish vegetarian, substitute the stock with vegetable stock and skip the meats in the cooking, ensuring a rich and hearty meal without compromising on flavor. Enjoy your culinary journey with this recipe and impress your loved ones with your cooking skills!
