Avoid These Mistakes When Making Stuffed Shell Pasta

Be sure to read the entire recipe before cooking. Jumping right in can lead to mistakes like adding the sauce prematurely or not properly seasoning the shells.

Part of prep work is ensuring

that you have the right amount

of ingredients. Grabbing the tablespoon instead of the teaspoon can be a catastrophic mistake.

Always prep your ingredients before you start cooking your

dish. In the case of stuffed shells, stopping to cut or chop in the middle can mess up the entire dish.

Overcooked shells are a common mistake people make, and thin broth is often to blame. "Thinner liquids penetrate more and will overcook shells," says chef Matt Harding.

The pasta shells should be cooked first, even though they will later be cooked in the dish. This gives them the right texture in your final masterpiece.