Cookies & Cream Cookies

This post may include affiliate links — learn more here .

Introduction

Stuffed shells are a classic comfort food that’s loved by many. Whether you enjoy them at family dinners, holiday gatherings, or as a weeknight meal, they offer a satisfying combination of hearty pasta, savory fillings, and flavorful sauces. But what happens when you combine a beloved dish like stuffed shells with the indulgent flavors of cookies and cream? The result is a unique and delicious fusion that brings together the best of savory and sweet.

Introducing Stuffed Shells with Cookies & Cream Cookies—a creative, mouthwatering recipe that takes traditional stuffed shells to the next level by adding a dessert-inspired twist. In this recipe, we will walk you through how to make the perfect stuffed shells, combined with the indulgent flavors of cookies and cream. We’ll also explore different variations, tips for perfecting the recipe, and how to serve this fun and delicious dish for your next special meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Unique Twist on a Classic: Stuffed shells are usually filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables. In this recipe, we add a sweet touch with cookies and cream cookies, creating a fun fusion of savory and sweet that surprises the palate.
• Comforting and Indulgent: The richness of the creamy cheese filling paired with the crunch of the cookies and cream cookies offers a satisfying combination of textures.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: This recipe is ideal for a family dinner, a gathering of friends, or a special celebration. The unexpected blend of flavors is sure to be a conversation starter.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer your stuffed shells with a hearty meat filling, a vegetarian option, or extra cheese, you can customize this recipe to suit your tastes.
• Halal-Friendly: This recipe is designed to be Halal, ensuring it meets dietary needs by using only permissible ingredients, without any pork, bacon, or wine.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes (30 minutes for prep, 1 hour for baking)
• Servings: This recipe serves about 6-8 people, depending on how large you slice the portions.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving):
  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 20g
  • Carbs: 50g
  • Fat: 20g

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Shells:

• 20-24 large pasta shells: This will be the base of your stuffed shells, offering a hearty shell to hold your savory filling.
• 2 cups ricotta cheese: The creamy base for your filling, providing a soft and smooth texture.
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds a gooey, melty texture that complements the ricotta filling.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that balances the richness of the ricotta and mozzarella.
• 1 egg: Used to bind the filling together.
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil: For a touch of freshness and aroma in the filling.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For savory depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a mild, sweet onion flavor to the filling.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the filling.

Cookies & Cream Layer:

• 1 cup cookies and cream cookies (chopped): You can use store-bought cookies with cream filling, like Oreos, or make your own using chocolate cookies and a cream filling. Crushed cookies add texture and sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon butter: To bind the cookies together and give them a slight crisp when baked.

Tomato Sauce:

• 2 cups marinara sauce: This simple tomato sauce complements the savory stuffed shells, offering a tangy base for the dish.
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano: For an Italian-inspired flavor to season the sauce.
• ½ teaspoon dried basil: Another essential herb to add to the tomato sauce.
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional): Balances out the acidity of the tomatoes.

For Garnish:

• Fresh basil leaves: For a burst of color and flavor.
• Additional grated Parmesan cheese: For topping the baked shells.

Step-by-Step Preparation

First Step: Prepare the Stuffed Shells

1. Cook the Pasta Shells: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta shells and cook them according to the package instructions (usually around 10 minutes). Make sure they are al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the pasta shells and set them aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Filling: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix well until smooth. Add the fresh basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until fully combined. This will be the savory base for your stuffed shells.
3. Stuff the Shells: Once the pasta shells are cool enough to handle, carefully stuff each shell with the cheese mixture. Use a spoon to fill each shell generously. Arrange the stuffed shells in a 9×13-inch baking dish, fitting them snugly in a single layer.

Second Step: Prepare the Cookies & Cream Layer

1. Crush the Cookies: If using store-bought cookies like Oreos, crush the cookies into small pieces by placing them in a plastic bag and gently pounding them with a rolling pin. You can also crush them in a food processor. Aim for a mix of large chunks and small crumbs for texture.
2. Mix with Butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter and then mix it with the crushed cookies. This will help bind the cookies together and create a slight crunch when baked.
3. Add the Cookies & Cream Layer: Sprinkle the cookie mixture evenly over the stuffed pasta shells. This unexpected sweet layer will add a delightful contrast to the savory filling and the tangy tomato sauce.

Third Step: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

1. Heat the Sauce: In a saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and sugar (if using). Stir to combine and simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
2. Pour the Sauce Over the Shells: Pour the seasoned marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells in the baking dish, making sure the shells are well-covered. The sauce will help cook the shells and bring moisture to the dish while keeping the cookies & cream layer intact.

Fourth Step: Bake the Stuffed Shells

1. Cover and Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. This will allow the shells to cook thoroughly and the flavors to meld together.
2. Uncover and Add Cheese: After 25 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle some extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
3. Cool and Serve: Once the stuffed shells are baked and golden, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the shells set and makes them easier to slice.

Final Step: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with Fresh Basil: Top the baked stuffed shells with fresh basil leaves for an extra pop of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle more Parmesan cheese if desired.
2. Serve: Slice the stuffed shells and serve with extra marinara sauce on the side. The creamy cheese filling, the crunch of the cookies & cream, and the savory tomato sauce combine to create a truly unique dish that will delight your guests.

How to Serve Stuffed Shells with Cookies & Cream Cookies

This creative and indulgent dish is versatile enough to be served in many ways. Here are some great serving ideas:

1. As a Main Course

Serve the stuffed shells as a main dish for a hearty and satisfying meal. The blend of savory cheese, crunchy cookies & cream, and tangy marinara sauce makes for a comforting dinner.

2. With a Side Salad

To balance the richness of the stuffed shells, pair them with a light side salad. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will add a refreshing contrast to the dish.

3. Perfect for Family Dinners or Gatherings

These stuffed shells are great for family dinners or potlucks. The combination of sweet and savory is sure to impress and leave everyone talking about this one-of-a-kind dish.

4. Pair with Garlic Bread

For extra comfort, serve the stuffed shells with warm garlic bread. The bread will help soak up the extra sauce, creating the perfect bite.

Recipe Variations

While Stuffed Shells with Cookies & Cream Cookies is fantastic as written, there are several ways to customize the dish to suit your tastes:

1. Vegetarian Version

For a vegetarian twist, swap out the traditional meat-filled stuffing for sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or other vegetables of your choice. The savory filling will still pair beautifully with the cookies & cream topping.

2. Add Meat

For a heartier meal, you can add ground beef, turkey, or chicken to the ricotta filling. This adds a meaty flavor to the dish while still keeping the sweet and savory combination.

3. Gluten-Free Option

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta shells and check that the cookies you use are gluten-free.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shells with Cookies & Cream Cookies

1. Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to stuff the shells generously, make sure you leave enough room to layer the cookies and sauce. Overstuffed shells may be hard to manage.
2. Keep the Cookie Layer Balanced: The cookies and cream layer is meant to complement the savory filling, so don’t go overboard. A thin layer is enough to add that delightful sweetness without overwhelming the dish.
3. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture and consistency, make sure your cheese and other filling ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
4. Customize the Sauce: If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a spicy marinara for an extra kick.

Conclusion

Stuffed Shells with Cookies & Cream Cookies is an inventive and delicious fusion of comfort food and dessert. By combining savory, creamy cheese-filled pasta shells with a sweet and crunchy cookies and cream layer, you create a truly unique dish that’s both indulgent and comforting. Perfect for any special occasion, family dinner, or gathering, this dish will surprise and delight your guests with every bite. Whether you stick to the original recipe or add your own variations, Stuffed Shells with Cookies & Cream Cookies is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.