Stuffed Shells Recipe

There's something so comforting about the smell of bubbling marinara sauce and cheesy pasta baking away in the oven. These Stuffed Shells are rich, hearty, and filled with creamy ricotta, savory herbs, and melty mozzarella that make every bite a little pocket of joy.

this Recipe

I first made this recipe on a chilly Sunday when I was craving something nostalgic and indulgent. Since then, it's become a beloved staple in our home, especially when we need a cozy, satisfying dinner that feels a little special but is surprisingly simple to make.

Whether you're feeding a hungry family or prepping for a dinner party, these stuffed shells are a guaranteed hit. Let's get right into why you'll fall in love with this recipe.

Why You'll Love This Stuffed Shells Recipe

Once you try these Stuffed Shells, you'll wonder how you ever lived without them. They check all the boxes for the perfect weeknight or weekend meal.

First off, it's unbelievably easy to make. With just a bit of assembly and some baking time, you get a dish that looks and tastes like you spent all afternoon in the kitchen.

Second, it's budget-friendly. With affordable pantry staples like pasta, cheese, and canned marinara sauce, you can create a meal that feels luxurious without breaking the bank.

Third, it's a make-ahead dream. You can prep everything the night before and simply pop it into the oven when you're ready to eat, making it ideal for busy schedules or entertaining.

Finally, it's endlessly versatile. You can customize the filling with different cheeses, meats, or veggies depending on what you have on hand, and it's just as delicious every time.

If you're already craving a plateful, just wait until you see how simple it is to pull together.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Stuffed Shells lies in using a few simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Every element is chosen for its role in delivering flavor and texture.

Jumbo pasta shells are the star here. Their large size is perfect for cradling generous amounts of creamy filling. Make sure you cook them al dente; they'll continue to soften while baking.

Ricotta cheese brings that irresistibly creamy texture to the filling. Look for whole milk ricotta if you can find it—it's richer and gives the filling a luxurious mouthfeel.

Mozzarella cheese, both inside and on top, adds that gooey, stretchy, cheesy goodness. Using freshly shredded mozzarella instead of pre-shredded will melt better and taste fresher.

Marinara sauce is your flavor foundation. Whether you use a quality store-bought brand or homemade, make sure it’s rich and well-seasoned to elevate the whole dish.

You'll also need a good baking dish, preferably a 9x13-inch pan, to ensure the shells fit snugly and cook evenly.

How To Make These Stuffed Shells

Creating these stuffed shells is a straightforward and satisfying process. Let me walk you through it.

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook your jumbo shells according to the package instructions, but shaving a minute off to keep them firm. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking.

Meanwhile, mix up your filling. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, a beaten egg, chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and uniform.

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. This prevents the shells from sticking and adds an extra layer of saucy goodness.

Using a small spoon, carefully stuff each shell with the cheese mixture, then arrange them open side up in the baking dish. Nestle them close together for maximum sauciness and cheesiness.

Once all the shells are filled and placed, pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top, then sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella and some extra Parmesan if you like.

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for about 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Expect a total time of about an hour from start to finish, and a dish that's warm, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible.

Storage Options

Stuffed shells are fantastic for leftovers. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven.

If you want to freeze them, assemble the dish but don't bake it. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen at 375°F for about an hour, until heated through and bubbling.

Reheating tip: Splash a little extra marinara sauce over the shells before microwaving to keep them moist and delicious.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of stuffed shells is how adaptable they are to your tastes and pantry.

You can swap the ricotta for cottage cheese if you're looking for a lighter option, or add cream cheese for extra richness.

For a meatier version, stir cooked and crumbled Italian sausage or ground beef into the cheese mixture before stuffing.

Vegetarians can load the filling with finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.

Want a spicy kick? Mix some red pepper flakes into your marinara sauce or sprinkle a little into the cheese filling.

Don't be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. Each variation keeps the dish exciting and new, without losing the comforting heart of the classic stuffed shells.

Print