The Dreamiest Stuffed Shells Recipe Your Family Will Adore

Pasta lovers find pure joy in a classic stuffed shells recipe that promises comfort and satisfaction.

Creamy ricotta cheese mingles with herbs, creating a delightful filling for each tender pasta pocket.

Italian cuisine brings magic to your dinner table with this simple yet elegant dish.

shells baked to golden perfection invite everyone to savor each delectable bite.

Melted cheese and rich marinara sauce combine in a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Home cooking doesn’t get more satisfying than this hearty meal that feels like a warm embrace.

You’ll want to grab a fork and dive right into this irresistible culinary adventure.

Ingredients for Rich and Creamy Stuffed Shells

• Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for holding the rich cheese filling.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy Italian cheese that creates a smooth and soft filling base.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese that adds stretchy texture and mild flavor to the dish.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian tomato sauce that provides moisture and tangy flavor.

• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that enhances the overall cheese mixture.
• Egg: Binding agent that helps hold the cheese mixture together.

• Parsley, Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Fresh herbs and seasonings that add depth and brightness to the cheese filling.

How to Bake Perfect Stuffed Shells Every Time

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Turn the oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking the shells.

Step 2: Boil The Pasta Shells

Cook pasta shells in boiling water according to package instructions.

Once done, drain and let them cool down completely.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Blend

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

Mix all ingredients until well blended and smooth.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Dish

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

Step 5: Stuff The Shells

Carefully fill each cooled pasta shell with the prepared cheese mixture.

Arrange the stuffed shells neatly in the sauce-covered baking dish.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.

If desired, sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top for extra richness.

Step 7: Initial Baking

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven.

Bake for 25 minutes.

Step 8: Finish Baking

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges become bubbly.

Step 9: Serve And Garnish

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top before serving hot and delicious.

Tips to Balance Cheese, Sauce, and Pasta for Ultimate Flavor

• Opt for jumbo shells to ensure easy filling and a better cheese-to-pasta ratio.
• Drain shells thoroughly and let them cool completely to prevent soggy texture and maintain cheese mixture integrity.
• Mix cheeses at room temperature for smoother, more consistent filling that blends easily.
• For lighter version, substitute part-skim ricotta and mozzarella to reduce overall calories without sacrificing flavor.
• Make ahead and refrigerate unbaked shells for convenient meal prep, adding 5-10 extra minutes to baking time when cooking directly from cold.

Creative Ways to Personalize Your Stuffed Shells

• Vegan Veggie Shells: Replace ricotta and mozzarella with tofu, nutritional yeast, and cashew cream. Use plant-based marinara sauce and add roasted vegetables like zucchini and spinach to the filling.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular pasta shells with gluten-free pasta shells made from rice or corn. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Meat Lover's Version: Mix ground beef or Italian sausage into the cheese filling. Brown the meat before combining with cheese for extra flavor and protein.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace pasta shells with large zucchini boats or halved bell peppers. Use the same cheese mixture and bake until vegetables are tender and cheese is melted.

Serving Ideas to Impress with Stuffed Shells

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Serve these cheesy shells with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete, comforting meal that brings everyone together around the table.
• Weekend Pasta Party: Invite friends over and pair the stuffed shells with a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio, creating a casual and fun dining experience that feels effortlessly elegant.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare extra shells and freeze them individually for quick, delicious lunches or dinners during busy work weeks, ensuring a homemade meal is always within reach.
• Italian-Inspired Side Dish: Complement the shells with roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant to add extra nutrition and vibrant colors to the plate.

Storage Tips to Keep Stuffed Shells Fresh and Delicious

• Refrigerate leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container for 3-4 days, ensuring they're completely cooled before storing.
• Separate shells with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their shape.
• Freeze stuffed shells in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, wrapping tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

FAQs

• Can I make stuffed shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the shells and assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

• Are there any tips for preventing shells from sticking together?

After cooking, rinse shells with cold water and lay them separately on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.

• How can I ensure the filling is evenly distributed?

Use a small spoon or piping bag to fill shells carefully, making sure each shell gets an equal amount of cheese mixture.

• Can I freeze stuffed shells?

Absolutely! Assemble the dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Classic Stuffed Shells Filled with Cheese and Sauce Perfection

• Craft with Ease: This stuffed shells recipe requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners who want to impress without stress.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with cheesy goodness and classic Italian flavors, these shells guarantee smiles around the dinner table for both kids and adults.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: From prep to plate, this dish comes together smoothly, offering a delicious meal without consuming hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Meal Magic: Adaptable for different dietary preferences, you can easily swap ingredients or add extra vegetables to customize the recipe to your family's taste.

Cheesy Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

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

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Description

Cheesy Italian stuffed shells bring comfort and flavor to your dinner table. Ricotta, spinach, and herbs create a mouthwatering filling that satisfies deep pasta cravings. Melted cheese and rich sauce invite you to savor each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Filling Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Sauce Ingredient:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) marinara sauce

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C), preparing the ideal cooking environment.
2. Boil pasta shells until perfectly tender, then gently drain and allow to cool completely.
3. Create a luscious cheese blend by combining ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a mixing bowl.
4. Generously coat the bottom of a baking dish with a layer of marinara sauce, creating a flavorful foundation.
5. Carefully stuff each cooled pasta shell with the rich cheese mixture, nestling them snugly in the sauced baking dish.
6. Lavishly drizzle the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Optional: Sprinkle an extra handful of mozzarella across the top for added cheesy decadence.
8. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and develop.
9. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges become delightfully bubbly.
10. Finish by scattering fresh parsley over the shells, adding a final touch of color and freshness before serving.

Notes

• Choose large shells to ensure easy stuffing and better cheese-to-pasta ratio.
• Slightly undercook pasta shells since they’ll continue cooking in the oven, preventing mushy texture.
• Let cheese mixture sit for 10 minutes before filling shells to help flavors meld and improve consistency.
• For gluten-free version, replace traditional pasta shells with gluten-free pasta shells or zucchini boats.
• Consider adding cooked ground meat or spinach to cheese mixture for extra protein and nutrition.
• Cool shells completely before stuffing to prevent cheese mixture from becoming runny.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for richer flavor compared to pre-packaged grated cheese.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg