Stuffed shells are a delicious pasta dish that is popular in Italian-American cuisine. They consist of large pasta shells that are filled or “stuffed” with cheese fillings like ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. Determining how many shells come in a standard box can help with planning quantities for recipes and meals. In this article, we will explore the typical size and contents of a box of stuffed shells to arrive at an estimated shell count.
Typical Box Sizes
Stuffed shells are often sold in standard size cardboard boxes by brands like Barilla. Two common retail box sizes are:
12 oz Box
A 12 ounce retail box contains about 36 to 40 jumbo stuffed shells. Often retailing for $2 to $3, this size contains roughly 3-4 servings of shells. This is a good choice for a small household meal.
24 oz Family Size Box
The larger family size 24 ounce box contains approximately 72 to 80 jumbo shells. Retailing for $3 to $5, this size provides around 6-8 servings. This is a convenient size for feeding a family.
So in summary, a typical box of stuffed shells contains between 1 to 2 servings per 12 ounces of pasta.
Variables that Impact Shell Count
While standard box sizes can provide a general shell count estimate, there are a few variables that can impact the actual number of shells per box:
Shell Size
Shells can come in different sizes like jumbo, large, and medium. Jumbo shells are the largest. A box will contain fewer jumbo shells than smaller medium shells.
Broken Shells
There is always a chance that some shells break during packaging. Boxes with more broken shells will have fewer intact shells that can be stuffed.
Density of Pasta
Some pasta brands use different recipes that result in denser, heavier pasta. All else equal, denser shells will result in fewer shells per ounce.
Variation Between Brands
Different brands may use slightly different box and shell sizes that could result in 10-20% more or fewer shells per package.
So the typical range of 36 to 80 shells per 12-24 oz box serves as a good estimate, but the actual count could vary based on these factors.
Comparing Stuffed Shells to Manicotti
Stuffed shells are often compared to manicotti, which is another popular stuffed pasta dish. Both contain a similar filling, but manicotti uses a long cylindrical tube-shaped pasta instead of shells.
Some key differences between the two dishes include:
Pasta Used
– Stuffed shells use large, curved pasta shells.
– Manicotti uses a long, rectangular pasta tube.
Amount of Pasta
– Stuffed shells contain less overall pasta since shells are smaller than long manicotti tubes. More filling is used proportional to the pasta in stuffed shells.
– Manicotti uses more pasta since the tubes are longer and larger. Slightly less filling is used proportional to the pasta.
Preparation
– Stuffed shells can be filled by hand before baking.
– Manicotti tubes must be carefully stuffed using a piping bag or other tool to fill the narrow tube.
Presentation
– Stuffed shells have a round, seashell-like presentation.
– Manicotti has an elegant, uniform tube presentation.
While both dishes have unique advantages, stuffed shells typically use less pasta than manicotti for a given recipe.
Determining Total Filling Needed
The total amount of filling needed corresponds directly to the number of shells used. Here are some guidelines for calculating filling quantity:
Filling Per Shell
On average, plan to use around 2-3 tablespoons of filling per jumbo stuffed shell. This ensures the shells are filled completely without overstuffing.
Total Filling for Recipe
Take the number of shells and multiply by 2-3 tablespoons per shell:
– 36 shells x 2 tbsp each = 72 tbsp filling needed
– 36 shells x 3 tbsp each = 108 tbsp filling needed
Typically 100-110 tablespoons (around 10 cups) of filling is needed for 36 jumbo stuffed shells.
Adjusting for Shell Size
Use less filling per shell if using larger jumbo shells. For medium or small shells, add more filling per shell.
Extra Filling
It’s smart to make 10-20% more filling than precisely needed to account for filling shells generously. Leftover filling can be baked separately.
With this information in mind, stuffing shells becomes quick and easy. Follow package directions and enjoy your delicious stuffed shells!
Nutrition Information
Stuffed shells are packed with flavor, but how nutritious are they? Here is the nutrition information for a typical serving of stuffed shells:
Serving Size
A serving is around 4-5 jumbo stuffed shells.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 510 |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 18g |
| Sodium | 910mg |
Key Nutrients
– High in calcium from cheeses – 30% DV per serving
– Good protein from cheese – 18g per serving
– Contains cholesterol and saturated fat from cheese and ricotta
– Very high in sodium from cheese – 38% DV per serving
Stuffed shells are rich in protein, calcium, and other nutrients from cheese. But the high saturated fat and sodium content should be moderated in a balanced diet. Enjoy stuffed shells in sensible portions as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.
Cost Analysis and Saving Money
Stuffed shells contain simple ingredients, but buying boxes from the store can get expensive. Here are some tips for cutting costs when making stuffed shells:
Buy Store Brand
Opt for a store brand box of shells rather than name brands like Barilla. The store version often costs $1-2 less per box.
Purchase Large Boxes
Buy the family size or bulk boxes to get a lower per unit price. Then portion and freeze extra shells for later use.
Use Coupons
Check the weekly flyers for pasta coupons or print coupons online to save $1-2 per box. Coupons often offer $1 off two boxes which helps when stocking up.
Make Your Own Filling
Whip up your own ricotta filling blend rather than buying premade filling. Use fresh herbs and cheeses for a fraction of the cost.
Buy Discounted Cheese
Look for markdowns on cheese blocks or shreds approaching expiry dates. These work great in the filling.
Use Generic Cheese
Opt for a store brand brick cheese or bagged shreds instead of name brand cheeses to save almost 50%.
With these handy tips, enjoying stuffed shells on a budget is easy. What tricks do you use to cut costs on stuffed shells?
Common Filling Ideas
The filling is what really makes stuffed shells special. While ricotta and mozzarella are standard, there are many possible filling ideas to try:
Classic Ricotta
The classic is a blend of ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, eggs, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Easy and always delicious.
Spicy Italian Sausage
Cooked spicy sausage and sautéed spinach paired with ricotta makes a flavorful and hearty filling.
Chicken Alfredo
Shredded chicken, alfredo sauce, garlic, and a blend of cheeses in the filling gives a creamy, decadent twist.
Vegetable Medley
A mix of cooked, chopped veggies like spinach, zucchini, and bell peppers with ricotta and Parmesan is fresh and vibrant.
Crab and Swiss
Lump crab meat, Swiss cheese, bread crumbs, lemon juice and zest makes an elegant seafood filling.
The cheese possibilities are nearly endless too. Try blends with aged cheddar, feta, brie, gouda and more for unique flavors.
Freezing and Reheating Stuffed Shells
Cooking stuffed shells takes time, so make a big batch and freeze the rest for future meals. Here’s how to freeze and reheat them.
Freezing Cooked Stuffed Shells
– Prepare a double recipe of stuffed shells and cool completely after baking.
– Portion shells into individual or family-size aluminum foil pans.
– Cover pans tightly with foil and label with date and contents.
– Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thawing Frozen Stuffed Shells
– Remove foil cover and thaw shells still in foil pans overnight in the refrigerator.
– Or thaw in the microwave, reheating briefly until thawed.
Reheating Thawed Stuffed Shells
– Preheat oven to 350 F.
– Bake thawed stuffed shells 20-30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
– Or microwave individual portions 3-5 minutes until heated through.
Enjoy your frozen stuffed shells quickly reconstituted using these methods.
Common Recipe Substitutions
Stuffed shells are flexible to make based on preferences and what’s on hand. Here are some common substitutions:
Pasta Shell Substitutes
– Manicotti tubes
– Lasagna noodles
– Ravioli
– Tortellini
– Cannelloni tubes
– Shells of any size
Filling Substitutes
– Cottage cheese for ricotta
– Neufchâtel cheese for ricotta
– Half ricotta, half mascarpone
– Ricotta with cream cheese
– Any soft cheese blend
Sauce Substitutes
– Alfredo sauce for tomato
– Béchamel sauce for tomato
– Pesto instead of tomato sauce
– Vegetable sauces like vodka sauce
Get creative with the filling and sauce options based on taste and diet. The pasta shells can be substituted with any shape that can contain the filling.
Stuffed Shells Recipe Variations
While the classic cheese-stuffed shells are always popular, there are many possible recipe variations to try.
Seafood Stuffed Shells
– Crab and lobster meat
– Shrimp and scallops
– Tuna and salmon
– Cod or tilapia
– Paired with lemon, parsley, breadcrumbs
Ground Meat Stuffed Shells
– Turkey or lean ground beef
– Italian sausage and ground pork
– Ground lamb
– Paired with sautéed veggies, tomato sauce, cheese
Vegetarian Stuffed Shells
– Mushrooms, spinach, and ricotta
– Broccoli, zucchini, and Swiss chard
– Roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and feta
– Walnuts, caramelized onions, and Parmesan
Southern Style Stuffed Shells
– Pulled pork and BBQ sauce
– Black-eyed peas and collard greens
– Roasted okra and Conecuh sausage
– Paired with cheddar, onion, and hot sauce
The possibilities are endless! Try stuffed shells with any creative flavors that combine well with cheese fillings.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While stuffed shells are straightforward to make, there are some common issues that can pop up:
Shells Won’t Close
– Use less filling so it can close easier. Start with 2 tbsp.
– Wet the edges of the shell opening to help it stick shut.
– Use smaller or medium shells which are easier to fill.
Filling Falls Out
– Make sure not to overstuff shells. 2-3 tbsp per shell is ideal.
– Cook shells just until al dente; avoid getting too soft.
– Use a toothpick to close the opening of stuffed shells.
Undercooked Shells
– Always boil just until al dente don’t undercook.
– Bake at 350 F for 30-40 minutes until browned and crispy on top.
– For larger shells or deeper pans, increase baking time.
Watery Tomato Sauce
– Use canned tomato sauce and strain out excess liquid.
– Cook down sauce ahead of time to thicken it.
– Mix in a cornstarch slurry to thicken sauce as needed.
Bland Flavor
– Season the filling aggressively with salt, pepper, herbs and spices.
– Use Italian seasoning blend, fennel, garlic, onion and red pepper flakes.
– Grate Parmesan or Romano cheese into the filling.
– Use tomato sauce or pasta sauce, not plain tomatoes.
Cooking Tips
Follow these handy cooking tips for perfect stuffed shells every time:
– Boil shells only until just al dente so they don’t get mushy when baked.
– Run shells under cold water to halt cooking and prevent cracking when stuffing.
– Use a piping bag to fill shells evenly and prevent spilling the filling.
– Spray the pan well to avoid sauce and cheese sticking to the bottom.
– Cover pan tightly with foil to prevent dryness and help cheese melt evenly.
– Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving so filling can set up and thicken.
– Garnish with chopped basil, parsley, marinara dollops, and Parmesan.
– Serve with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Master these simple tips and tricks for sensational stuffed shells worth sharing with friends and family.
Conclusion
Stuffed shells are the ultimate comfort food that makes using up a box of jumbo shells so satisfying. Typically a 12-24 ounce box contains 36-80 stuffed shells depending on the shell size. Shell count can also vary slightly by brand. Plan for about 2-3 tablespoons of filling per jumbo shell. The filling options are endless too with endless combinations of cheeses, vegetables, meats, and more to please any palate. Freeze extra stuffed shells for quick weeknight meals or a dish to bring to potlucks. However you enjoy your stuffed shells, mastering the perfectbake will have your guests begging for the recipe. With a few simple tricks, you can troubleshoot any issues and learn how to stuff shells like an expert Italian cook. Mangia!