Cozy, Cheesy Hearty Stuffed Shells Recipe for Family Joy

Bubbling with rich flavors and comfort, these classic stuffed shells with ricotta cheese promise a delightful dinner adventure.

Packed with creamy ricotta and nestled in a robust tomato sauce, this stuffed shells recipe delivers pure culinary satisfaction.

Each shell cradles a generous blend of herbs and cheeses that dance across your palate.

The combination of tender pasta, smooth ricotta, and zesty marinara creates a mouthwatering experience.

Families adore this classic Italian-inspired dish for its simplicity and incredible taste.

You’ll savor every bite of this warm, inviting meal that brings everyone together around the table.

Let’s transform tonight’s dinner into a memorable feast that celebrates delicious home cooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 4

Stuffed Shells Recipe Ingredient List

• Jumbo Shells: Provides the perfect vessel for holding the creamy, rich filling, choose large, sturdy shells that can be easily stuffed.

• Ricotta Cheese: Delivers a smooth, creamy texture and mild flavor, select fresh, high-quality ricotta for the best taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Adds delightful stretch and mild creaminess, opt for low-moisture variety for better melting.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty depth to the filling, use freshly grated for maximum flavor intensity.
• Egg: Binds the filling together and adds richness, ensure it's fresh and at room temperature.
• Spinach: Introduces vibrant color and nutritional boost, choose fresh or frozen spinach, well-drained.
• Garlic Powder: Provides subtle, consistent garlic flavor without chunks.
• Italian Seasoning: Offers a harmonious blend of herbs for authentic Italian taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances and balances overall flavor profile.

• Marinara Sauce: Creates a classic, tangy base that complements the cheesy filling, select a high-quality jarred sauce or homemade version.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh garnish that elevates the dish's visual appeal and flavor.

What to Use for Classic Stuffed Shells

• Large Pot: Perfect for boiling pasta shells with plenty of water.
• Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for combining ricotta and other filling ingredients.
• Colander: Essential for draining and rinsing cooked pasta shells.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Ideal size for assembling and baking stuffed shells.
• Spoon or Piping Bag: Helpful for filling shells with ricotta mixture.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers dish during initial baking to prevent burning.
• Cheese Grater: Optional tool for freshly grating mozzarella and Parmesan.

Steps to Bake Stuffed Shells to Perfection

Whip Up Cheesy Stuffed Shells Delight

• Boil the Pasta

Cook jumbo shells in salted water until perfectly tender. Drain and cool them down with cold water to stop cooking. Let shells rest while preparing the rest.

• Mix Creamy Filling

Blend ricotta with mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, chopped spinach, and seasonings. Stir until everything combines into a smooth, dreamy mixture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 375F. Grab a baking dish and give it a light grease to prevent sticking.

• Create Shell

Spread marinara sauce across the bottom of the dish. Lovingly stuff each shell with the rich, creamy filling. Nestle the shells into the sauce, creating a cozy pasta landscape.

• Top and Bake

Pour remaining marinara over the shells, making sure every inch gets covered. Sprinkle extra cheese on top for that irresistible golden layer. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

• Finish and Serve

Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese turns bubbly and gorgeous. Let cool briefly, then garnish with fresh herbs. Serve alongside a crisp salad or warm garlic bread for a meal that’ll make everyone smile.

Shell Tips That Make a Difference

• Elevate the ricotta mixture by adding sautéed mushrooms or crispy pancetta for extra depth and texture.
• Prepare the stuffed shells up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate before baking for convenient meal planning.
• Swap traditional pasta shells for gluten-free jumbo shells or use zucchini boats as a low-carb alternative that's equally delicious.
• Replace spinach with roasted bell peppers, kale, or Swiss chard to introduce different nutrient-rich greens into the recipe.
• Mix in ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles into the cheese filling for a heartier, more substantial meal that satisfies meat lovers and vegetarians alike.

Present Stuffed Shells with Flair

• Italian-Style Side Symphony: Pair these cheesy shells with a crisp caesar salad drizzled with homemade dressing for a restaurant-quality experience.
• Rustic Bread Companion: Serve warm, toasted garlic bread alongside the shells to soak up extra marinara sauce and add delightful texture to your meal.
• Green Garden Fresh: Create a quick mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and light balsamic vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta dish.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the tomato sauce and enhance the overall flavor profile of the stuffed shells.

Store Stuffed Shells for Midweek Dinners

• Allow stuffed shells to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation and potential soggy texture.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days, keeping shells separate from additional sauce to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual portions or entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing frozen shells for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm shells in oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of extra marinara sauce to refresh moisture and restore delicious flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I make the stuffed shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the shells a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

• Is it possible to freeze stuffed shells?

Absolutely! Assemble the shells without baking, wrap securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed in the recipe.

• Can I use a different type of cheese?

Definitely! You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or swap mozzarella for provolone. Just keep the same overall quantity of cheese to maintain the recipe’s texture and flavor.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

The recipe is already vegetarian. If you want to add more protein, consider mixing in some cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles into the cheese filling for extra substance.

Hearty Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty Classic Stuffed Shells recipe brings Italian-American comfort straight to family dinner tables. Ricotta cheese, herbs, and marinara sauce create a satisfying meal promising warmth and deliciousness you will savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (720 ml) marinara sauce
• 12 oz (340 g) jumbo pasta shells (about 20–25 shells)
• 1 container (15 oz / 425 g) ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup (100 g) cooked and chopped spinach (fresh or frozen, squeezed dry)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Immerse jumbo shells in salted, boiling water until achieving an al dente texture. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent overcooking, then spread shells on a clean surface for filling.
2. Cheese Mixture Creation: Thoroughly combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, spinach, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
3. Oven Staging: Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Lightly grease a rectangular baking dish to prevent ingredient adhesion.
4. Shell Arrangement: Spread a foundational layer of marinara sauce across the baking dish. Meticulously fill each shell with the cheese mixture, arranging them in neat, organized rows.
5. Final Layering: Lavishly coat stuffed shells with remaining marinara sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Generously sprinkle additional mozzarella to create a decadent, golden-brown topping.
6. Baking Process: Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for 10 more minutes until cheese transforms into a bubbling, slightly crisp surface.
7. Serving Presentation: Remove from oven and allow brief resting time. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Plate immediately, pairing with crusty garlic bread or a vibrant garden salad.

Notes

• Prevent Shell Breakage: Cook pasta shells just until al dente to maintain structural integrity and prevent tearing during stuffing.
• Moisture Management: Drain and rinse shells with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking, then let them dry slightly on a clean towel to absorb excess moisture.
• Filling Consistency: Mix cheese filling thoroughly but gently to avoid overworking, which can make the mixture dense and less creamy.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Substitute ricotta with tofu for a vegan version, or use gluten-free pasta shells for a gluten-sensitive diet.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 422
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg