Prepare your taste buds for a flavor explosion with Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells. Imagine creamy, cheesy goodness wrapped around tender pasta shells, infused with zesty Italian herbs that dance on your palate. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone wondering if you’ve secretly hired an Italian chef. For more inspiration, check out this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta recipe.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells
- How to Make Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs
- What are Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells?
- How long does it take to prepare Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells?
- Can I customize the filling for Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells?
- What sides pair well with Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells?
- Conclusion for Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells
- 📖 Recipe Card
This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy dinners. Picture yourself surrounded by loved ones, laughter filling the air, as you dig into this delightful comfort food. It’s the perfect dish for a family night or when you’re just craving something warm and cheesy. For more inspiration, check out this Amish Country Casserole recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells are simple to prepare and require minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor.
- The rich combination of cheese and herbs creates a mouthwatering dish that pleases everyone at the table.
- Visually stunning, these shells are perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself.
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to enjoy on any occasion!
Ingredients for Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Jumbo Pasta Shells: Choose large shells that can hold plenty of cheesy filling without breaking during cooking.
- Ricotta Cheese: Opt for fresh ricotta for a creamy texture that blends beautifully with other ingredients.
- Shredded Mozzarella: Look for whole milk mozzarella to achieve that gooey, stretchy quality that everyone loves.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for an added depth of flavor and a touch of sophistication.
- Italian Seasonings: A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme will elevate the taste profile and give it that authentic Italian flair.
- Marinara Sauce: Select a quality marinara sauce or homemade version to slather over these decadent shells.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat the Traeger
Set your Traeger grill to preheat at 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures even heating throughout your cooking process.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook them until al dente as per package directions. Drain and set aside, but do not rinse—nobody likes soggy pasta!
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and Italian seasonings. Stir until everything is well blended together into a cheesy dream.
Step 4: Stuff the Shells
Take each cooked shell and fill it generously with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Place filled shells in a baking dish lined with marinara sauce.
Step 5: Top It Off
Once all shells are stuffed and nestled in their marinara bed, pour more sauce over the top. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese evenly across the surface—because let’s be honest; you can never have too much cheese.
Step 6: Grill Away
Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and place it on the preheated Traeger grill. Cook for about 25-30 minutes until everything is heated through and bubbly. Remove foil during last five minutes for that golden-brown melted cheese topping.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra marinara sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
There you have it! With these simple steps, you’ll serve up an irresistible plate of Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells that’s bound to impress friends and family alike! Enjoy every cheesy bite! savory turkey bacon sliders.
You Must Know
- Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells are not just a meal; they are a fun experience in the kitchen!
- The melted cheese and rich flavors create a dish that everyone will love.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this recipe is simple and crowd-pleasing.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve cheesy perfection, start by cooking your pasta shells until they are al dente. While they cook, prepare your sauce in the Traeger grill to infuse it with smoky flavor. Combine everything for a delightful finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells! Swap out the cheese for your favorite blend or add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. You can even toss in some cooked sausage for a heartier dish.
Storing & Reheating
To store Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When reheating, use the oven at 350°F to gently warm without drying out the pasta.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley to elevate the flavors of your dish.
- Avoid overcooking your pasta; it should retain some bite before baking.
- Always taste your sauce before mixing; adjust seasoning as needed for maximum flavor.
Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells hold a special place in my heart from family gatherings where everyone would gather around the table, laughing and sharing stories while devouring this cheesy goodness. It’s truly comforting!
FAQs
What are Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells?
Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells are a delicious pasta dish that combines large pasta shells with a creamy, cheesy filling. This recipe is perfect for gatherings or family dinners. The shells are typically stuffed with a mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Italian herbs, then smothered in marinara sauce and baked to perfection. delicious homemade lasagna Cooking them on a Traeger grill adds a unique smoky flavor that elevates the dish to another level. This recipe is not only tasty but also easy to prepare, making it a favorite among home cooks.
How long does it take to prepare Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells?
Preparing Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells takes about 20 minutes of prep time and an additional 30-40 minutes for cooking on the grill. The total time from start to finish is approximately 60 minutes. Start by boiling the pasta shells until al dente, while you prepare the cheese filling. Once everything is assembled in a baking dish, place it on your Traeger grill. The result is a beautifully cooked dish that combines convenience with incredible flavor.
Can I customize the filling for Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells?
Absolutely! You can easily customize the filling for Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells based on your preferences. While traditional recipes use ricotta and mozzarella, you can experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or cheddar. sun-dried tomato pasta salad Adding ingredients such as spinach, ground meat, or even sun-dried tomatoes can enhance the flavor profile further. Feel free to get creative and make it your own; this flexibility makes it an exciting dish for any occasion.
What sides pair well with Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells?
Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their rich flavors. A simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the meal’s heaviness. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks make fantastic accompaniments as well, providing a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy shells. Additionally, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition to your plate.
Conclusion for Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells
In conclusion, Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells offer an enticing blend of flavors that are sure to impress family and friends alike. With simple preparation steps and customizable filling options, this dish suits any gathering or casual weeknight dinner perfectly. Cooking them on a Traeger grill enhances the overall experience by adding a delightful smoky touch. Whether served alongside fresh salad or crusty bread, this recipe guarantees satisfaction at every bite!
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells are a mouthwatering pasta dish that combines jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy cheese mixture, all smothered in rich marinara sauce and grilled to perfection. This comforting recipe is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors with a hint of smoky essence from the Traeger grill.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the Traeger grill to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells in boiling salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning; mix well.
- Stuff each shell generously with the cheese mixture and arrange in a baking dish lined with marinara sauce.
- Pour additional marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and grill for 25-30 minutes. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes to brown the cheese.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (180g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
