Ostie Piene Recipe

Jennifer Segal

7 Nov, 2023

Get ready for the perfect Fourth of July with our mouthwatering Ostie Piene recipe. A delectable, cheesy treat to delight your taste buds!

About Origin Taste Recipe Ingredients Instructions Video Nutrition Tips Serving Substitutes

What is Mojarra?

Ostie Piene, known as stuffed shells, is a beloved Italian dish that's perfect for your Fourth of July celebration.

These jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with a rich and creamy mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, creating a delectable combination of flavors and textures.

The dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it an ideal choice for special occasions.

What makes Ostie Piene even more special is its versatility.

You can customize the filling with ingredients like spinach, ground meat, or herbs to suit your preferences.

This culinary delight is a fantastic addition to your Fourth of July menu, and we'll guide you through the process step by step.

Origin

Ostie Piene originates from Italy, where it is a traditional favorite at family gatherings and celebrations.

This dish embodies the essence of Italian comfort food and is cherished for its hearty and satisfying taste.

Taste

Ostie Piene offers a delightful burst of flavors with each bite.

The pasta shells are tender, and the cheesy filling is rich and creamy.

The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan adds a savory and slightly nutty note, while the ricotta cheese keeps the filling light and fluffy.

The tangy marinara sauce ties everything together with a touch of sweetness and acidity.

It's a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that's sure to please your palate.

Why Make This Recipe

Crowd-Pleaser: Ostie Piene is a dish that appeals to people of all ages. It's a guaranteed hit at your Fourth of July gathering.
Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dish in advance and bake it when needed, allowing you to enjoy the party without spending all your time in the kitchen.
Versatility: You can customize the filling to suit your taste, whether you prefer a vegetarian option with spinach or a meaty version with ground beef.
Beautiful Presentation: The stuffed shells look impressive on the plate, making your Fourth of July feast even more special.
Leftover Delight: If you have any leftovers, Ostie Piene tastes just as good the next day, so you can enjoy it for days to come.

Recipe Essentials

Pasta shells: These will be the delightful vessels for your cheese filling.
Ricotta cheese: Ricotta gives the filling a creamy and slightly grainy texture.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella adds that stringy, melty cheese goodness.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan provides a nutty and salty flavor.
Egg: The egg helps bind the filling together.
Fresh parsley, chopped: Parsley adds a fresh, herby aroma.
Dried oregano: Oregano offers a subtle earthy and slightly peppery note.
Salt: Salt enhances the overall flavor.
Black pepper: Pepper provides a hint of spiciness.
Marinara sauce: Marinara sauce brings a tomato-based, tangy richness to the dish.

Equipment

Large pot: For boiling the pasta shells. You can substitute this with any deep cooking pot.
Mixing bowls: For combining the cheese filling ingredients.
Baking dish: To bake your stuffed shells in. You can use a casserole dish or a similar oven-safe container.
Aluminum foil: To cover the dish while baking.
Spoon: For filling the pasta shells.
Saucepan: To heat the marinara sauce. Any small pot will work.

Ingredients

20 large pasta shells
2 cups of ricotta cheese
2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons of dried oregano
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
2 1/2 cups of marinara sauce

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large pot, bring water to a boil, and cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain them and set them aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese, half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese, one egg, finely chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create the rich and creamy filling.
Take your cooked pasta shells and carefully stuff each one with this delectable cheese mixture. Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish.
Pour the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are generously covered. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning, and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and bubbly.
Let your Ostie Piene cool for a few minutes before serving.

Mojarra

Cuisine: Italian

Category: Main Course

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 350 calories

Publisher: Fourth of July Recipes

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 247 reviews.

Recipe Tags: Mojarra, Recipe, Mojarra Recipe, Top rated, Fourth of July

Mojarra Recipe

This is a video about mojarra.

Nutrition

Ostie Piene offers a satisfying and balanced meal. It's a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamins.

The ricotta cheese provides a creamy texture, while the marinara sauce adds a touch of acidity.

This dish is relatively low in calories and can be part of a healthy diet when enjoyed in moderation.

Tips

Cook the pasta al dente: Be sure not to overcook the pasta shells. They will continue cooking in the oven, so cook them just until they're slightly firm.
Season the filling well: Don't skimp on the salt and pepper when preparing the cheese mixture. Proper seasoning enhances the flavors.
Customize the filling: Get creative with your filling. Add spinach, sausage, or herbs to tailor the dish to your preferences.
Prevent sticking: Spoon a bit of marinara sauce into the baking dish before adding the stuffed shells to prevent them from sticking to the bottom.
Cover while baking: Covering the dish with aluminum foil for the first part of baking helps the cheese melt evenly without drying out.
Use quality marinara sauce: A good marinara sauce can make a big difference. You can either buy a high-quality sauce or make your own.
Let it rest: Allow the Ostie Piene to cool for a few minutes after baking. This will help the filling set, making it easier to serve.

Serving

Serving Ostie Piene is a joy.

Carefully plate the stuffed shells and ladle some extra marinara sauce on top.

You can also sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Serve it alongside a crisp garden salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Pairing

Garden Salad: A light and fresh salad with a simple vinaigrette complements the richness of Ostie Piene. It's a perfect side to balance the flavors.
Garlic Bread: Crispy, garlicky bread is a classic accompaniment to pasta dishes. It's great for scooping up any leftover marinara sauce.
Grilled Vegetables: A medley of grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus, adds a healthy and colorful touch to your Fourth of July meal.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with a mix of seasonal fruits adds a sweet contrast to the savory Ostie Piene.
Corn on the Cob: It's a Fourth of July staple. Grilled or boiled corn on the cob drizzled with butter and a sprinkle of salt pairs wonderfully with the pasta.

Presentation

For an appealing presentation, place the stuffed shells on a large serving platter or individual plates, and drizzle extra marinara sauce over them.

Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like basil or parsley and some grated Parmesan on top to add color and flavor.

You can also garnish with a few red pepper flakes for a touch of heat if you prefer.

Consider serving Ostie Piene on patriotic-themed tableware to align with the Fourth of July spirit. Red, white, and blue napkins or tablecloths can make your presentation even more festive.

You may also want to pair it with a refreshing drink, such as iced tea or lemonade, to complete the experience.

Ingredients Substitutes

Pasta Shells: If you can't find large pasta shells, you can use jumbo pasta shells or even manicotti tubes.
Cheeses: You can experiment with different cheese types like fontina, provolone, or even cheddar for a unique flavor profile.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary can be used instead of parsley or oregano.
Marinara Sauce: If you prefer a homemade sauce, you can make it from scratch with canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
Veggies or Meat: Customize your filling with ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, cooked ground meat, or diced bell peppers.