Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and Cheesy: The ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan filling creates a creamy, melty texture that’s absolutely delicious.
- Customizable: You can add different cheeses, meats, or vegetables to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and store it for an easy weeknight meal.
- Great for Feeding a Crowd: This dish is filling and can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Jumbo pasta shells
- Ricotta cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Egg
- Fresh parsley or basil
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Marinara sauce
- Olive oil
Directions
- Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the filling by mixing ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir until well combined.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Fill each shell with the ricotta mixture and place them in the baking dish, seam side up.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Meaty Stuffed Shells: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken to the ricotta filling.
- Spinach and Ricotta: Mix in sautéed spinach for a healthier, veggie-packed version.
- Four Cheese: Use a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone for extra cheesiness.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy marinara sauce for some heat.
- Pesto Twist: Mix in a spoonful of basil pesto into the ricotta filling for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Assemble the dish but do not bake. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.
FAQs
How do I keep stuffed shells from falling apart?
Cook the shells until just al dente and let them cool slightly before stuffing. This helps them hold their shape.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, cottage cheese can be used as a substitute, but it has a different texture. Blend it for a smoother consistency.
What’s the best sauce to use for stuffed shells?
Marinara sauce is the most common, but you can also use Alfredo or a meat sauce for variety.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the stuffed shells up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers make great additions.
How do I prevent the shells from sticking together?
Drizzle the cooked shells with a little olive oil and toss gently to prevent sticking.
Do I need to cover the dish while baking?
Yes, covering with foil helps prevent the shells from drying out. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to get a golden, bubbly top.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, store-bought marinara works great, but homemade sauce will add a richer flavor.
What side dishes go well with stuffed shells?
Garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables are perfect accompaniments.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta shells to make this dish suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
Conclusion
Stuffed shells are a delicious, cheesy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you make them ahead of time or customize them with your favorite ingredients, this dish is sure to be a family favorite. Serve with a side of garlic bread and enjoy a comforting, homemade Italian meal!
PrintStuffed Shells
Stuffed shells are a classic Italian-inspired comfort dish made with jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, smothered in marinara sauce, and baked until bubbly. This cheesy, flavorful dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests.
- Prep Time: 15min
- Cook Time: 30min
- Total Time: 50min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Jumbo pasta shells
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Cook the pasta shells
- Boil the jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and let them cool slightly.
2️⃣ Prepare the filling
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3️⃣ Assemble the dish
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Fill each shell with the ricotta mixture and arrange them in the dish, seam side up.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with extra cheese.
4️⃣ Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5️⃣ Garnish and serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil and serve warm
