Stuffed shells are a classic Italian-American dish that are quick and easy to make. They consist of jumbo pasta shells that are stuffed with a cheesy ricotta filling and baked in tomato sauce. Leftover stuffed shells make for an easy and delicious meal that can be quickly reheated. But how long does it actually take to reheat stuffed shells to perfection?
What temperature should you reheat stuffed shells at?
The best way to reheat stuffed shells is in the oven at 350°F. This allows the shells and filling to heat through gently and evenly. Microwaving can lead to cold spots and a mushy texture. Oven heating helps maintain the original texture of the pasta and filling.
Can you reheat stuffed shells in the microwave?
You can reheat stuffed shells in the microwave, but it’s not recommended. Microwaving can make the pasta soggy and the filling dry. It can also create cold spots where parts are still cold in the middle. If reheating in the microwave, use a lower power setting and heat in short increments to try to prevent uneven cooking.
How long should you reheat stuffed shells in the oven?
Most recipes recommend reheating stuffed shells in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. However, exact times can vary depending on:
- Amount of shells – The more shells you have, the longer it takes to reheat.
- Thickness of shells – Jumbo shells take longer than smaller shells.
- Amount of filling – Shells stuffed with a lot of cheese take longer.
- Serving temperature – Shells straight from fridge take longer than room temp.
For a full casserole dish of jumbo stuffed shells straight from the fridge, plan on reheating for at least 25-30 minutes at 350°F to ensure piping hot centers.
Tips for reheating stuffed shells
Here are some tips to keep in mind when reheating stuffed shells:
- Cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out.
- Reheat any sauce on the side and add it after reheating.
- Add a sprinkle of water or sauce if shells seem dry.
- Flip shells over halfway through reheating for even heating.
- Let shells rest 5 minutes after oven to allow filling to set up.
Can you reheat stuffed shells in an air fryer?
Reheating stuffed shells in an air fryer is not recommended. Air fryers are great for making food crispy, but pasta dishes with sauce need to be gently reheated in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain their texture.
Can you freeze and reheat stuffed shells?
Yes, stuffed shells freeze very well for future reheating. To freeze:
- Make shells according to recipe and let cool completely.
- Place in single layer on baking sheet and freeze until hard.
- Transfer to freezer bags or airtight container.
- Freeze up to 3 months.
To reheat frozen shells:
- Thaw overnight in fridge.
- Reheat in 350°F oven for 35-40 minutes until hot in center.
How long do leftover stuffed shells last?
Cooked stuffed shells will keep refrigerated for 3-4 days. Reheat within this time period for best quality and safety. The stuffed shells can also be frozen for 2-3 months.
Here is a helpful fridge/freezer storage chart for leftover stuffed shells:
| Storage Method | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Storage container | Airtight container | Freezer bag or airtight container |
| Storage time | 3-4 days | 2-3 months |
What are the best containers for storing and reheating stuffed shells?
The best containers for storing and reheating stuffed shells are:
- Glass storage containers with tight sealing lids to prevent drying out in fridge.
- Aluminum foiled pans or casserole dishes with foil to cover for oven reheating.
- Shallow metal pans allow for faster reheating.
- Avoid plastic containers for reheating in oven due to melting risk.
Should you add extra sauce when reheating stuffed shells?
It’s a good idea to add extra sauce when reheating stuffed shells to prevent them from drying out. Have extra warmed sauce on hand to add to the dish straight from the oven. You can also sprinkle a little water over the shells before covering with foil to create steam while reheating.
Should stuffed shells be reheated on the stovetop or oven?
The oven is preferred for reheating stuffed shells over the stovetop. The oven allows for very gentle, even reheating that warms the pasta and filling completely without overcooking or getting mushy. The stove can overly brown the outside before the middle is hot.
Is there a quick shortcut for reheating stuffed shells?
There’s no very quick shortcut for properly reheating stuffed shells. Because they contain a filling, they should be heated gradually to ensure the filling gets piping hot without drying out or becoming unevenly cooked. Allow at least 25-30 minutes in a 350°F oven for the full casserole.
Conclusion
Stuffed shells are best reheated in a 350°F oven for 25-30 minutes if refrigerated and 35-40 minutes if frozen. Cover with foil and check frequently to prevent drying out. Glass storage containers work best for storing in the fridge and reheating in the oven. With a little time and care when reheating, leftover stuffed shells can taste just as delicious as the original meal.