Easy Stuffed Shells Recipe: Cheesy Comfort in Every Bite

Pasta shells bursting with creamy ricotta promise a delightful culinary adventure that will spark joy at your dinner table.

My Italian grandmother shared this magical recipe decades ago, whispering kitchen secrets while her hands moved swiftly.

Cheesy, comforting stuffed shells feel like a warm embrace from someone who loves cooking.

Robust flavors dance within each tender pasta pocket, creating a meal that surprises and satisfies.

Rich ricotta blends seamlessly with herbs and spices, making every bite an experience to remember.

Simple ingredients come together in a way that feels both elegant and approachable.

Gather your ingredients and let’s create something extraordinary that will make your taste buds sing with pure happiness.

Top Highlights of Stuffed Shells

• Cheesy, comforting pasta that appeals to both children and adults, ensuring a delightful meal that brings the whole family together at the dinner table.
• Easily adaptable recipe that allows for customization with different cheeses, meat variations, or vegetarian fillings, making it a flexible dish for various dietary preferences.
• Prepare the shells in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, providing a convenient solution for meal planning and stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients Checklist for Stuffed Shells

• Jumbo Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for stuffing, providing a delicious vessel for creamy fillings and sauce.

• Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy base that adds rich, smooth texture and classic Italian flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp cheese that brings depth and a salty tang to the filling.
• Fresh Parsley, Basil: Herbs that provide bright, fresh notes and aromatic complexity.

• Eggs: Helps bind the cheese mixture and create a cohesive filling.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, warm garlic flavor throughout the filling.

Cooking Instructions for Stuffed Shells

Boil Jumbo Shells

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Carefully add jumbo shells and cook according to the package directions until they reach the perfect al dente texture.

Drain the shells in a colander and gently rinse with cool water to halt the cooking process. Set the shells aside on a clean kitchen towel to cool and dry slightly.

• Ricotta cheese
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Dried basil
• Garlic powder
• Egg
• Salt
• Black pepper

Prepare Delicious Cheese Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with grated parmesan. Add chopped fresh parsley, dried basil, and garlic powder. Crack an egg into the mixture and season with salt and black pepper. Use a fork or whisk to blend all ingredients until smooth and well incorporated.

Stuff the Shells

Grab a baking dish and spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Take each cooled shell and carefully fill it with the cheese mixture using a spoon. Place the stuffed shells side by side in the baking dish, ensuring they are snug but not overcrowded.

Create a Saucy Topping

Pour additional marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, covering them generously. Sprinkle extra parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and a golden finish.

Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Serve and Enjoy

Let the stuffed shells rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot and savor the delicious, cheesy goodness.

Pro Tips for Stuffed Shells

• Select Perfect Shells: Choose large, intact jumbo shells without cracks to ensure smooth stuffing and elegant presentation.
• Prevent Sticking: Rinse cooked shells with cold water and lightly coat with olive oil to keep them from clumping together.
• Master Al Dente Technique: Cook shells just until tender but still firm, typically 1-2 minutes less than package instructions for ideal texture.
• Drain Thoroughly: Use a colander and gently shake to remove excess water, preventing watery filling and maintaining shell structure.
• Handle with Care: Arrange shells individually on a clean kitchen towel to cool and dry, making them easier to fill without tearing.

Storage Tips for Stuffed Shells Dishes

• Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual or entire portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Frozen stuffed shells maintain quality for 2-3 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover the shells with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of marinara sauce to keep them moist.
• Place shells on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Serving Ideas for Stuffed Shells

• Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that cuts through the richness of the cheese and complements the tomato sauce's acidity.
• Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy, creamy stuffed shells and provide a crisp, refreshing contrast.
• Serve crusty, warm garlic bread brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with parsley to soak up extra sauce and add a delightful crunch to the meal.
• Offer a sparkling water with fresh lemon or orange slices to cleanse the palate between bites and refresh the taste buds during this hearty pasta dish.

Alternate Versions of Stuffed Shells

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace traditional pasta shells with gluten-free jumbo shells made from rice or corn flour, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy the dish.
• Vegan Alternative: Swap ricotta cheese with silken tofu or cashew cheese, and use plant-based marinara sauce to create a dairy-free and egg-free stuffed shells recipe.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta shells with roasted zucchini boats or blanched cabbage leaves, filling them with the original cheese mixture for a lighter, vegetable-based version.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Incorporate ground turkey or chicken into the cheese filling for added protein, creating a heartier and more nutritionally balanced meal.

Easy Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Cheesy stuffed shells bring Italian comfort right to dinner tables with rich ricotta and spinach nestled in perfectly baked pasta pockets. Warm, hearty portions promise delightful flavors that satisfy hunger and spark mealtime joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Cheese:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) jumbo pasta shells (about 24 shells)
• 2.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Filling Ingredients:

• 15 ounces (425 grams) ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)

Seasoning and Sauce:

• 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with generously salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Carefully submerge jumbo pasta shells into the bubbling water, allowing them to cook until perfectly tender yet maintaining a slight firmness.
3. Once shells reach an al dente texture, quickly remove from heat and drain thoroughly in a colander.
4. Immediately rinse the delicate shells under cool running water to halt the cooking process and prevent further softening.
5. Gently spread the shells on a clean kitchen towel or flat surface, ensuring they do not stick together and are ready for the next preparation stage.

Notes

• Choose jumbo shells carefully to ensure they are large enough to hold generous filling but not so big they become unwieldy.
• Prevent shells from sticking together by adding a splash of olive oil to the boiling water and gently stirring during cooking.
• Rinse shells with cold water immediately after cooking to halt the cooking process and maintain a perfect texture for stuffing.
• Pat shells dry with paper towels before filling to help the stuffing adhere better and prevent excess moisture in the final dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 395
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg