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French Onion Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4 from 9 reviews

Delight in the rich, comforting flavors of French Onion Stuffed Shells—jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta and Gruyère cheese mixture combined with sweet caramelized onions, baked in a luscious onion-infused creamy sauce topped with mozzarella, parmesan, and seasoned breadcrumbs. This dish offers a sophisticated twist on classic French onion soup flavors, perfect for a cozy dinner that impresses with its depth and cheesy goodness.

Ingredients

Caramelized Onions

  • 4 sweet onions, thinly sliced
  • Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Pasta Shells

  • 8 ounces jumbo pasta shells (about 20 shells)

Cheese Filling

  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme (from filling mixture)

Sauce and Toppings

  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1½ cups chicken stock (or beef/vegetable stock)
  • ⅓ cup cream
  • 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese (for topping)
  • ¼ cup seasoned breadcrumbs (for topping)
  • Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Heat butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, kosher salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Cook the onions slowly for about 30 minutes, stirring often, until they are deeply caramelized and golden brown. Stir in the minced garlic and turn off the heat to let the flavors meld.
  2. Cook the Pasta Shells: While the onions are cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the shells and spread them out on a baking sheet to cool and prevent sticking.
  3. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed shells later.
  4. Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, the large egg, grated Gruyère, grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Fold in half of the caramelized onions to infuse the filling with rich onion flavor.
  5. Stuff the Shells: Using a spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell generously with the ricotta and onion cheese mixture, ensuring each shell is well packed for maximum flavor.
  6. Make the Onion Sauce: Return the remaining caramelized onions to the skillet and heat them gently. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the chicken stock while stirring continuously, cooking until the sauce thickens. Finish the sauce by stirring in the cream for a luscious texture.
  7. Assemble the Dish: Carefully nestle the filled pasta shells into the thickened onion sauce in the skillet, arranging them with the open filled side facing up. Sprinkle the top evenly with grated mozzarella cheese and the seasoned breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
  8. Bake to Perfection: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake the shells for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
  9. Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or thyme. Serve hot for a comforting, elegant meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute beef or vegetable stock for chicken stock if preferred or to accommodate dietary needs.
  • Use a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile; Gruyère adds a nutty taste while mozzarella provides meltiness.
  • For a vegetarian version, use vegetable stock and ensure the cheese used is free from animal rennet.
  • The caramelization of onions is key and takes time but builds essential depth of flavor.
  • The dish can be prepared ahead by assembling and refrigerating before baking; just add a few extra minutes to bake time when cooking from cold.
  • Seasoned breadcrumbs add a flavorful, crispy top; plain breadcrumbs can be used along with a pinch of Italian seasoning or herbs as a substitute.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/french-onion-stuffed-shells-recipe/