Stuffed shells are a comforting and satisfying Italian-American dish that never fails to impress. This classic baked pasta recipe features jumbo shells generously filled with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, all nestled in a rich marinara sauce and baked until bubbly and golden.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, hosting guests, or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is an excellent choice. It’s simple to prepare, full of flavor, and can even be made ahead of time. Plus, it’s easy to customize—add spinach, ground beef, or even a creamy Alfredo sauce for a twist on the traditional recipe.
This stuffed shells recipe is perfect for anyone who loves cheesy, hearty meals that bring everyone to the table. Follow along for step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations to make this dish truly your own.
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Despite its gourmet appearance, stuffed shells are incredibly simple to prepare. The ingredients are easy to find, and the assembly process is straightforward.
- Cheesy & Comforting – A perfect blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a rich, creamy filling that pairs beautifully with tangy marinara sauce.
- Great for Meal Prep – Stuffed shells can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer, making dinner planning effortless.
- Customizable – You can add meats like ground beef or sausage, mix in vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or even swap out the marinara for Alfredo sauce.
- Family-Friendly – This dish is a hit with both kids and adults, making it a perfect family meal. Serve it with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete dinner.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 20 jumbo pasta shells
- Cheese Filling:
- 1 (15 oz) container of ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Sauce: 3 cups marinara sauce
- Topping: Additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for baking
Equipment Used
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Mixing bowls
- Baking dish (9×13 inch)
- Spoon or piping bag for filling shells
- Aluminum foil
Directions & Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Pasta Shells
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
3. Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth.
4. Fill the Shells
Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each shell with the cheese mixture.
5. Assemble the Dish
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange the filled shells in a single layer and cover with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle extra mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
6. Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Serve & Enjoy
Let the shells rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of stuffed shells provides a balanced mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fats. The combination of cheeses offers a good source of calcium and protein, while marinara sauce provides antioxidants from tomatoes.
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 12g
- Calcium: 20% of daily value
For a lighter version, use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella, or replace some cheese with blended cottage cheese. Adding spinach or mushrooms to the filling can also boost the fiber and nutrient content.
Prep Time and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Meat Lovers – Add cooked ground beef, turkey, or sausage to the cheese mixture or sauce.
- Vegetarian Spinach Shells – Mix in sautéed spinach for extra nutrients.
- Cheesy Alfredo Shells – Swap marinara for creamy Alfredo sauce for a richer dish.
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the filling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dish a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, follow the same instructions, adding 5 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I freeze stuffed shells?
Absolutely. Assemble the stuffed shells in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 60-70 minutes.
How do I keep the pasta shells from sticking together?
After draining, lay them out on a baking sheet or drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Pro Tips By Emma
- Cook Pasta Al Dente – Since the shells will bake further, avoid overcooking them.
- Use a Piping Bag – Makes filling the shells much easier and neater.
- Enhance the Flavor – Mix in fresh basil or garlic to elevate the cheese filling.
- Even Baking – Arrange the shells in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a fresh green salad and balsamic vinaigrette.
- Pair with garlic bread or homemade focaccia for a complete meal.
- Enjoy with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon.
Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe : Cheesy, Delicious & Easy to Make
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Mixing bowls
- Baking dish (9x13 inch)
- Spoon or piping bag for filling shells
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- Pasta: 20 jumbo pasta shells
- Cheese Filling:
- 1 15 oz container of ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Sauce: 3 cups marinara sauce
- Topping: Additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for baking
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Pasta Shells
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Prepare the Cheese Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth.
- Fill the Shells
- Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each shell with the cheese mixture.
- Assemble the Dish
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange the filled shells in a single layer and cover with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle extra mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve & Enjoy
- Let the shells rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Notes
Use a Piping Bag – Makes filling the shells much easier and neater.
Enhance the Flavor – Mix in fresh basil or garlic to elevate the cheese filling.