# Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Shells Recipe
## Introduction
Combine the best of Italian cuisine with the comfort of pizza toppings in this fantastic fusion dish. Our Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Shells recipe marries pasta with pizza, resulting in a hearty and satisfying meal your friends and family will adore.
## Why Make This Recipe
If you ever find yourself torn between making pasta or pizza for dinner, this recipe is the perfect solution. It offers the comfort and creaminess of pasta shells stuffed with cheese, sprinkled with the classic pizza topping – pepperoni. This dish brings together the classic Italian flavors that are loved across generations and will certainly be a hit at your next dinner party.
## How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Shells
## Ingredients:
– 20 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup mini pepperoni slices
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
## Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil the pasta shells as per package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
3. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper.
4. Spoon the cheese mixture into each pasta shell and place them in a baking dish.
5. Pour the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Next, sprinkle the shells with the remaining mozzarella cheese and add pepperoni slices for the topping. Add extra Parmesan if desired.
6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Afterwards, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is gooey and golden.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving (optional).
## How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Shells
Serve these scrumptious shells hot, ideally straight out of the oven. It is best accompanied by a fresh side salad or sautéed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A glass of red wine also complements the rich and cheesy flavors beautifully.
## How to Store Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Shells
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days. When re-heating, you can either microwave the dish or heat it up in the oven until the cheese is melted and the shells are warmed through.
## Tips to Make Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Shells
Be careful not to over-boil the pasta shells as they will continue to cook in the oven. It’s best if the shells are cooked al dente to avoid them becoming too soft or mushy. Also, when filling the shells, ensure to not overfill them as the cheese can overflow while baking.
## Variations (if any)
Instead of pepperoni, you could use cooked Italian sausage or sliced mushrooms for a different flavor. You can also add different cheeses like gouda or fontina for a change in taste.
## FAQs
Q: Can these shells be prepared ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the shells up to step 5 and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply top them with cheese and pepperoni and bake.
Q: Can I substitute the ricotta cheese?
A: Yes, you can use cottage cheese instead of ricotta cheese.
Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
A: Yes, you can freeze the stuffed shells in an airtight container after they have completely cooled. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the shells overnight in the refrigerator and then bake them as directed.