Stuffed pasta shells supply an elegant dinner. You can get dinner on the table quickly if you prepare the shells ahead of time and freeze them until you need them. Pasta can become overly soft during the freezing and thawing process, but undercooking it slightly before you freeze helps it retain its quality. Next time you make a batch of stuffed shells, freeze a few extras so you have a quick dinner for a busy evening.

Boil the shells for seven minutes, so they are softening but still slightly firm, stirring occasionally. Drain and set the shells in a greased baking pan. Stuff with your preferred cheese, meat or vegetable mixture.

Pour your desired sauce over the top of the shells. Cool the shells uncovered in the refrigerator until they reach an internal temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Wrap the pan in a double layer of plastic wrap. Slide the entire baking sheet into a zip-top freezer bag and label the bag with the contents and date.

Store the stuffed shells in a 0-degree F freezer for up to two months. Thaw the shells in the refrigerator for 24 hours before baking.

Pour an additional ¼ to ½ cup of sauce over the shells before baking. Sprinkle cheese on top, if desired. Bake for 25 minutes at 425 degrees, or until the shells reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees.