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Creepy Stuffed Shells

These spooky stuffed shells feature large pasta shells filled with a cheesy, savory mixture, then baked in tomato sauce until bubbling and golden. Topped with sliced olives for eerie eyes, they combine comforting textures with a playful, spooky presentation perfect for Halloween or costume parties.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 large pasta shells preferably sturdy and large enough to hold filling
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese for creamy filling
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded, for gooeyness
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 0.5 cup black olives sliced thin, for eyes
  • 2 cups tomato sauce preferably smoky or with flavor depth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for smoky flavor
  • a few drops black food coloring optional, for spooky black filling

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Mixing bowls
  • Sharp Knife
  • Baking dish
  • Spoon or piping bag

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta shells and cook until just al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, shredded mozzarella, minced garlic, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until smooth and well blended. If you want a creepy black hue, stir in a few drops of black food coloring now.
  3. Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each cooked shell generously with the cheese mixture, pressing gently to pack the filling in. This helps create the perfect spooky shape.
  4. Spread a layer of tomato sauce evenly in the bottom of your baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells on top of the sauce, standing upright or lying flat, like tiny coffins ready for a spooky feast.
  5. Press sliced black olives into the shells to create tiny eyes. Gently embed them into the cheese filling, pressing lightly so they stay in place during baking.
  6. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the shells, ensuring they are well covered. This keeps everything juicy and flavorful as it bakes.
  7. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the shells uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and slightly browned around the edges. Cover with foil if they start to crack or dry out.
  8. Remove from the oven and let the shells rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the cheese settle and makes serving easier.
  9. Serve hot, with the cheesy filling oozing and the olives giving a spooky, monster-like appearance. Pair with a green salad or crusty bread for a complete, fun meal.

Notes

For extra creepiness, add black food coloring to the filling, or use smoked mozzarella for a richer smoky flavor. Be playful with the olive eyes—arrange them in different patterns for extra spookiness!