Stuffed and gratinated conchiglie

Stuffed and Gratinated Conchiglie: A Delicious and Comforting Recipe

Who can resist a dish that combines the delicate flavors of pasta with a savory filling and a topping of melted cheese? Stuffed and gratinated conchiglie is a recipe that not only delights the taste buds but also offers a fulfilling cooking experience. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your family, whether you're preparing it for a weekend dinner or a special occasion. Let's start the culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 500 g conchiglie pasta
- 300 g ricotta or cottage cheese
- 1 onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 stalk of celery
- 300 g chicken breast
- 100 g sottilette (processed cheese)
- 60 g parmesan
- 2-3 tablespoons sour cream
- 450 g tomato sauce
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste
- A splash of white wine (about ½ cup)

Preparing the pasta:

1. Boil the pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Add the conchiglie pasta and boil according to the package instructions, usually between 8-10 minutes, until al dente. After boiling, drain the pasta and toss it with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to prevent sticking. Let it cool slightly.

Preparing the filling:

2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, add a little olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion over medium heat. Once it becomes translucent, add the grated carrot and finely chopped celery. Continue to sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables become tender.

3. Add the chicken breast: Slice the chicken breast into thin pieces and add it to the skillet. Stir well and cook until it turns white and is cooked through.

4. Deglaze with wine: Add the white wine over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Let it simmer for a few minutes to evaporate the alcohol.

5. Add the tomato sauce: Pour the tomato sauce into the skillet, stir, and let it simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Preparing the cheese filling:

6. Mix the cheese: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta or cottage cheese with the sour cream, half of the grated parmesan, salt, and pepper. This will be your filling mixture.

7. Stuff the pasta: Using a spoon or a large piping bag, fill each conchiglie with the cheese mixture. Make sure they are well filled, but don’t overfill to avoid breaking.

Assembling the dish:

8. Prepare the baking dish: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Place a first layer of stuffed conchiglie, then add another layer of tomato sauce. Continue to alternate layers of conchiglie and sauces until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a layer of sauce.

9. Add the topping: Sprinkle the remaining parmesan on top, then place the slices of sottilette on the last layer. They will melt beautifully and provide a golden crust.

Baking:

10. Gratin: Preheat the oven to 200°C and bake the dish for 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top becomes golden and bubbly.

Serving:

11. Enjoy: Let the stuffed and gratinated conchiglie rest for a few minutes before serving. This time allows the flavors to settle perfectly. You can serve them with a fresh seasonal salad or a slice of crusty bread to complete the meal.

Tips and variations:

- Filling variations: You can replace the chicken breast with beef or vegetables for a vegetarian option. Also, add spices like basil or oregano for extra flavor.
- Cheese: If you love cheese, you can add mozzarella to the filling mixture or replace the sottilette with another type of melted cheese, such as cheddar.
- Nutrition: This recipe is an excellent source of protein from chicken and cheese, and the pasta contains complex carbohydrates, also providing fiber from the vegetables. A serving has approximately 600-700 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use whole grain pasta? Yes, whole grain pasta is an excellent choice for adding fiber.
- How can I make this dish easier? You can prepare the sauce and filling a day in advance and store them in the fridge. On the day of serving, just assemble and bake.
- What drinks pair well with this dish? A white wine or a fresh lemonade would be excellent choices.

This recipe for stuffed and gratinated conchiglie will turn any meal into a culinary celebration. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, you will bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Enjoy!