The Best Cheesy Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe for Pasta Lovers

Creamy and comforting baked stuffed shells combine Italian traditions with home-style warmth that instantly sparks dinner excitement.

Pasta lovers know these delectable pockets hide irresistible cheese and herb fillings beneath golden-brown surfaces.

Ricotta blends seamlessly with spinach and mozzarella, creating layers of rich Mediterranean flavors.

Weeknight meals demand simple yet satisfying solutions, and this recipe delivers pure culinary magic.

Careful ingredient selection transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Melted cheese and tender shells promise a delightful journey through classic comfort food.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this mouthwatering masterpiece.

Baked Stuffed Shells That Wow Guests

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Indulge in a classic Italian-American dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table, perfect for cheese lovers and pasta enthusiasts.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Minimal cooking skills required, with straightforward steps that make this recipe accessible for beginners and experienced home cooks alike.
• Versatile Meal Option: Adaptable for various occasions, from family dinners to potluck gatherings, and easily customizable with additional ingredients like spinach or ground meat.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dish in advance and refrigerate, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or when you want to plan meals ahead of time.

Ingredients Needed For Baked Stuffed Shells

• Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells that create perfect pockets for holding the rich cheese filling.
• Ricotta Cheese: A creamy, soft cheese that forms the base of the delicious stuffing.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic Italian tomato sauce that adds moisture and flavor to the baked dish.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that provide a golden, gooey topping and additional depth of flavor.

• Egg, Garlic Powder, Parsley, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the cheese mixture, adding depth and helping to bind the filling together.

How To Prepare Baked Stuffed Shells Successfully

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C), getting it ready for the cheesy magic about to happen.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells

Boil the pasta shells following the package instructions.

Once done, drain them and let them cool down, preparing them for their cheesy filling.

Step 3: Create the Cheese Mixture

• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Garlic powder
• Chopped parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend everything together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of your baking dish, creating a flavorful base for the shells.

Step 5: Stuff the Shells

Carefully fill each pasta shell with the rich cheese mixture, nestling them snugly in the sauce-covered baking dish.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they’re completely covered.

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes.

Look for a bubbly, golden-brown top that promises deliciousness.

Tips For Making Baked Stuffed Shells Perfect

• Pat shells dry with paper towels to prevent excess water from making the dish soggy and diluting the sauce.
• Blend ricotta mixture until smooth and creamy for an even texture throughout each stuffed shell.
• Ensure each shell is generously coated with marinara to prevent drying out during baking.
• Add sautéed spinach or chopped mushrooms to the cheese filling for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Prepare the dish ahead and freeze unbaked, covering tightly with plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months.

Delicious Twists On Baked Stuffed Shells

• Vegan Shells: Replace ricotta and mozzarella with tofu and cashew cheese. Use plant-based marinara sauce and nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap pasta shells with zucchini boats or large bell pepper halves. Fill with cheese mixture and bake as original recipe.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta shells or substitute with large spinach leaves. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Add cooked ground turkey or chicken to the cheese mixture. Mix in chopped spinach for extra nutrition and color.

Serving Suggestions To Complement Baked Stuffed Shells

• Family Feast Companion: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with Italian vinaigrette for a balanced meal that adds freshness and nutrition.
• Protein Power-Up: Complement the shells with grilled chicken or meatballs to create a heartier dinner option that satisfies larger appetites.
• Bread Basket Bonus: Pair with warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up extra marinara sauce and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to perfectly match the rich, cheesy flavors of the stuffed shells.

How To Store Baked Stuffed Shells Properly

• Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual shells or the entire dish securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw frozen shells in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 350F, place shells in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to restore crispy cheese top.

FAQs

• What's the best way to prevent shells from sticking together?

After cooking shells, rinse them with cold water and lay them flat on a baking sheet. Add a little olive oil to prevent them from clumping.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

• How do I know the shells are properly stuffed?

Fill each shell about 3/4 full with the cheese mixture. Overfilling can cause the shells to split or leak during baking.

• Is there a trick to evenly distribute the filling?

Use a small spoon or piping bag to fill shells consistently. This helps ensure each shell has the same amount of delicious cheese mixture.

Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delightful Italian-style baked stuffed shells showcase ricotta and spinach nestled in tender pasta shells. Cheese lovers will savor this comforting classic that brings Mediterranean warmth to dinner tables.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) marinara sauce

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Finishing Ingredients:

• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) to prepare for baking the stuffed shells.
2. Boil pasta shells in salted water until tender, following package instructions. Carefully drain and allow shells to cool slightly.
3. Create a creamy filling by combining ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Blend ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated.
4. Coat the bottom of a baking dish with a generous layer of marinara sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Using a spoon, carefully fill each cooled pasta shell with the prepared cheese mixture, nestling them snugly into the sauced baking dish.
6. Generously drizzle remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring complete coverage. Sprinkle the top with additional mozzarella cheese for a golden, melty finish.
7. Shield the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cheese to melt.
8. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly and crisp.

Notes

• Choose jumbo shells for easier stuffing and a more visually appealing presentation.
• Drain ricotta cheese thoroughly to prevent watery filling and maintain a creamy texture.
• Gently pat cooked shells dry to help the cheese mixture adhere better and prevent excess moisture.
• Consider adding fresh basil or spinach to the cheese mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 470 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg