The Best Stuffed Jumbo Shells Recipe Every Family Will Love

Pasta lovers rejoice as these delectable stuffed jumbo shells dance with creamy ricotta and herbs.

Tender jumbo shells cradle a rich, savory filling that promises comfort in every bite.

Melted cheese blankets the shells, creating a golden, irresistible surface that beckons hungry diners.

The recipe combines classic Italian flavors with simple, fresh ingredients.

Each shell bursts with a delightful mixture of cheese, herbs, and aromatic seasonings.

Layers of texture and taste make this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

Prepare to fall in love with this soul-warming, cheesy masterpiece that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.

What Makes Stuffed Jumbo Shells Special

• Maximize Flavor in Minutes: Combine juicy steak, cheesy ravioli, and rich garlic butter sauce for a restaurant-quality meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout.
• Simplify Cooking Process: One-skillet technique means minimal cleanup, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time after a busy day.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Perfectly blends protein and pasta, creating a hearty dish that satisfies both meat lovers and carb enthusiasts with its delicious combination of textures and flavors.
• Adaptable Weeknight Winner: Easily customizable with frozen ravioli and quick-cooking steak, making it an ideal solution for last-minute dinner plans or unexpected hunger pangs.

Ingredients To Craft Stuffed Jumbo Shells

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

• Ricotta Cheese: Soft, creamy cheese that creates a smooth and rich filling base.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor to enhance the filling.
• Egg: Helps bind the filling ingredients together.

• Parsley, Basil, Oregano: Fresh herbs that provide aromatic and classic Italian flavors.
• Salt, Pepper, Garlic: Essential seasonings that add depth and complexity to the filling.

• Spaghetti Sauce: Provides moisture and traditional Italian flavor to the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a golden, gooey topping.

• Aluminum Foil: Used for covering the dish during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

Clear Steps For Stuffed Jumbo Shells

Step 1: Soften Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Gently drop the jumbo pasta shells into the water, cooking them just shy of being fully done.

Drain the shells and immediately rinse with cool water to halt the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.

Step 2: Create Creamy Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh egg
• Chopped parsley
• Torn basil leaves
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Minced garlic

Stir the mixture until it becomes a smooth, well-blended filling that promises delicious bites.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Dish

Spread a thin, even layer of spaghetti sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This creates a flavorful foundation for your pasta shells.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Using a spoon or small scoop, carefully fill each pasta shell with the creamy cheese mixture. Aim for a generous but not overstuffed filling that nestles nicely inside each shell.

Step 5: Arrange and Sauce

Carefully place the filled shells into the sauced baking dish. Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the top, ensuring each shell gets a cozy sauce bath.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauced shells, creating a blanket of melty goodness.

Step 7: First Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.

Slide into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the shells to heat through.

Step 8: Final Cheese Melt

Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven.

Bake for an additional 5 minutes, watching the cheese transform into a golden, bubbly topping.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Let the stuffed shells rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

This allows the filling to set and makes serving easier. Plate up these cheesy pasta pockets and enjoy the delicious results of your culinary adventure!

Insider Advice For Stuffed Jumbo Shells

• Rinse shells immediately with cold water after boiling to stop cooking and prevent them from clumping together.
• Add fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley right before serving to enhance the overall taste and aroma of the dish.
• Use an ice cream scoop for uniform shell filling, ensuring each shell gets the perfect amount of ricotta mixture.
• Cover with foil during initial baking to keep shells moist, then uncover to let cheese brown and create a delicious crispy top.
• Substitute regular pasta shells with gluten-free jumbo shells and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

Exciting Twists For Stuffed Jumbo Shells

• Vegetarian Protein Boost: Replace ricotta with crumbled tofu or mashed chickpeas for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Gluten-Free Shell Option: Use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells or substitute with zucchini boats for a low-carb version.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, swap basil for mint, and incorporate crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Version: Use cashew ricotta, nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and dairy-free mozzarella to create a completely lactose-free dish.

Perfect Matches For Stuffed Jumbo Shells

• Pair with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Cut through the rich, creamy cheese filling with a bright, acidic white wine that refreshes the palate and balances the heavy pasta dish.
• Complement with Rustic Italian Bread: Serve warm, crusty bread to soak up the extra marinara sauce and add a delightful textural contrast to the soft stuffed shells.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a light, peppery green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty counterpoint to the hearty, cheesy pasta shells.
• Enhance with Grilled Vegetables: Add a side of herb-roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant to introduce a smoky, healthy element that complements the rich pasta dish.

Keeping Stuffed Jumbo Shells Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure shells are completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Stuffed shells can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing quality.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place shells in a baking dish, add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese in the filling?

Yes, you can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or mix in some grated cheddar for extra flavor. Just maintain a similar creamy consistency.

• Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, the basic recipe is vegetarian. The filling contains cheese, eggs, and herbs without any meat ingredients.

• Can I prepare stuffed shells ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the shells and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

• What herbs work best in this recipe?

Parsley, basil, and oregano are traditional choices. Fresh herbs will provide more vibrant flavor compared to dried herbs, but both work well in the recipe.

Stuffed Jumbo Shells Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy ricotta and spinach fill plump jumbo shells in this comforting Italian-inspired pasta dish. Baked with marinara and melted cheese, these shells promise a delightful meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 box jumbo pasta shells
• 15 ounces (425 grams) ricotta cheese
• 8 ounces (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 12 cup (50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 24 to 28 ounces (680 to 794 grams) jar of spaghetti sauce (or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3 cloves garlic, pressed
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Herbs and Binding:

• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)

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Instructions

1. Prepare jumbo shells by boiling them just short of al dente. Immediately drain and rinse with cold water to halt cooking and prevent adhesion.
2. Create a creamy filling by blending ricotta, Parmesan, egg, herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until thoroughly incorporated.
3. Spread a thin marinara sauce layer across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
4. Carefully fill each shell with the ricotta mixture, ensuring even distribution without overfilling.
5. Arrange the stuffed shells snugly in the prepared baking dish, nestling them into the initial sauce layer.
6. Generously coat the shells with remaining spaghetti sauce, completely covering each piece.
7. Distribute shredded mozzarella evenly across the top of the shells for complete coverage.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes, creating a sealed cooking environment.
9. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes until cheese melts and sauce bubbles vigorously.
10. Rest the dish for 3-5 minutes after removing from the oven to allow flavors to settle and make serving easier.

Notes

• Choose jumbo shells that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking and consistent filling.
• Slightly undercook shells to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking, maintaining a perfect al dente texture.
• Drain shells thoroughly and separate them immediately to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
• Pat shells dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, helping the filling adhere better.
• Try herb combinations like fresh thyme or rosemary for a unique flavor profile.
• For a lighter version, substitute part-skim ricotta and reduce mozzarella quantity.
• Create a vegetarian option by adding sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables to the cheese mixture.
• Make ahead and freeze unbaked shells for convenient meal prep, storing in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 404 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg