Irresistibly Cheesy Stuffed Shells Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Creamy cheese and savory shells create a mouthwatering Italian-inspired dish that promises comfort in every bite.

Pasta lovers adore this classic recipe for its simple yet satisfying ingredients.

Ricotta blends seamlessly with herbs, creating a rich filling that melts in you mouth.

Jumbo shells provide the perfect vessel for capturing delicious cheese mixtures.

Marinara sauce adds a bright, tangy layer that complements the creamy interior.

Mediterranean flavors dance across your palate with each carefully crafted shell.

You’ll find this recipe surprisingly easy to master, inviting even novice cooks to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.

What Makes Stuffed Shells a Comfort Food Classic

• Boost Family Comfort: Packed with creamy cheese and classic marinara, this stuffed shells recipe delivers a heartwarming meal that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
• Master Simple Cooking: No advanced culinary skills needed – just mix ingredients, stuff shells, and bake for a delicious result that looks like a restaurant-quality dish.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like adding spinach, ground meat, or trying different cheeses to match your family's taste preferences without complicated modifications.
• Prepare Ahead Friendly: Make the entire dish in advance, refrigerate, and pop in the oven when ready to serve, making meal planning and entertaining stress-free.

Essential Ingredients for a Delicious Stuffed Shells Bake

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for holding creamy cheese filling.

• Ricotta Cheese: Soft, creamy cheese that creates a smooth filling base.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese that adds stretch and golden color to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp cheese that provides a rich, tangy flavor.
• Egg: Binds the cheese mixture together and helps create a firm texture.

• Garlic, Parsley: Fresh herbs and aromatics that add depth and brightness to the cheese mixture.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato sauce that provides moisture and traditional Italian flavor.

How to Prepare and Bake Stuffed Shells to Perfection

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for the delicious shells.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Shells

Boil the pasta shells following the package directions until they’re perfectly tender.

Drain and let them cool down to handle easily.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Minced garlic
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend everything together until smooth and well-mixed.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Dish

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

Step 5: Stuff The Shells

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

Step 6: Top With Sauce And Cheese

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure they’re completely covered. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Allow the stuffed shells to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the filling set and makes them easier to plate.

Tips for Creamy Filling and Perfect Sauce

• Choose jumbo shells that are intact and free from cracks to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
• Slightly undercook pasta shells since they'll continue cooking in the oven, preventing them from becoming mushy.
• Drain ricotta cheese in a cheesecloth for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture, ensuring a thicker and creamier filling.
• For a lighter version, substitute part-skim ricotta and mozzarella to reduce overall calorie content.
• Add cooked ground turkey or spinach to the cheese mixture for extra protein and nutrition, making the dish more versatile and balanced.

Flavor Variations to Experiment With

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ricotta with tofu, seasoned with nutritional yeast and herbs for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute pasta shells with zucchini boats or large bell pepper halves, filling with the cheese mixture and baking as directed.
• Mediterranean Spin: Add spinach and feta cheese to the filling, top with crumbled olives and serve with a light Greek salad on the side.

Suggested Side Dishes to Serve Alongside

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Serve these cheesy shells as a comforting main course with warm garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal that brings everyone together.
• Elegant Italian Gathering: Present the stuffed shells on a large platter garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan, creating a stunning centerpiece for a sophisticated dinner party.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare these shells in advance, portion them into individual containers for easy weekday lunches or freeze for quick future dinners that taste just as delicious reheated.
• Vegetarian Feast Companion: Pair the shells with roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant to create a hearty vegetarian spread that highlights the rich cheese filling.

How to Store Stuffed Shells to Maintain Freshness

• Refrigerate leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and delicious.
• Wrap individual portions tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing to prevent moisture loss.
• Freeze stuffed shells for longer storage, maintaining quality for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
• Thaw frozen shells overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to ensure even warming.
• Oven: Place shells in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• Can I use other types of pasta instead of shells?

Yes, you can substitute large pasta like jumbo pasta tubes or conchiglioni if traditional shells are unavailable.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! This stuffed shells recipe is completely vegetarian and can be easily prepared without meat.

• How can I make the cheese filling more flavorful?

Add some extra herbs like basil or oregano, or include red pepper flakes for a subtle kick to enhance the cheese mixture’s taste.

• Can I prepare stuffed shells in advance?

Definitely! You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, making it perfect for meal prep.

Perfect Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering stuffed shells recipe brings classic Italian comfort to dinner tables. Cheesy ricotta-filled pasta shells bake with marinara sauce, offering a satisfying meal that delights home cooks and guests alike.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce

Filling and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)

Spices:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375°F (190°C), positioning rack in center of oven.
2. Cook pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente, following package directions. Drain thoroughly and allow to cool completely on a clean kitchen towel.
3. Combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Blend until smooth and well-incorporated.
4. Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a rectangular baking dish, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each pasta shell with the prepared cheese mixture, placing them snugly in the sauced baking dish.
6. Drizzle remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, making sure each shell is partially covered.
7. Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese over the top of the shells for extra richness and golden color.
8. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent excessive moisture loss.
9. Bake covered for 25 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and edges are golden brown.
10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-7 minutes to allow filling to set and cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Opt for jumbo shells to ensure easy filling and better cheese-to-pasta ratio.
• Slightly undercook pasta shells to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
• For a healthier version, substitute part-skim ricotta and use whole wheat shells.
• Customize the recipe by adding cooked ground meat or spinach to the cheese mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg