If you’re searching for a hearty, comforting, and crowd-pleasing dinner idea, look no further than this stuffed shells recipe. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in, stuffed shells are a timeless Italian-American favorite that combines creamy cheese, savory sauce, and tender pasta into one irresistible dish. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting in the kitchen, this stuffed shells recipe is both easy to follow and incredibly satisfying.
What Are Stuffed Shells?
Stuffed shells are large pasta shells (conchiglioni) filled with a savory cheese mixture—often ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan—then smothered in marinara sauce and baked to perfection. Some variations include spinach, ground meat, or vegetables in the filling. This stuffed shells recipe is vegetarian, making it a versatile option for meatless meals, yet it can be easily adapted to include protein if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Shells Recipe
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Simple ingredients: Most items are pantry staples or easy to find at any grocery store.
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Make-ahead friendly: Prepare and refrigerate before baking for a stress-free dinner later.
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Freezer-friendly: Perfect for batch cooking and freezing for busy weeknights.
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Family-approved: Kids and adults alike enjoy this cheesy, saucy comfort food.
Ingredients for the Best Stuffed Shells Recipe
To get started, gather the following ingredients:
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20–24 jumbo pasta shells
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2 cups ricotta cheese
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1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 large egg
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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Optional: 1 cup cooked spinach, drained and chopped
How to Make Stuffed Shells
1. Cook the Pasta Shells
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo shells until just al dente—about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. If you’re adding spinach, fold it into the cheese mixture now.
3. Assemble the Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each shell with the cheese mixture and place them in the baking dish.
4. Top with Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, then sprinkle with additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for that golden, bubbly finish.
5. Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Stuffed Shells Recipe
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Don’t overcook the shells: Slightly undercooked pasta will hold its shape better during baking.
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Use quality marinara sauce: A flavorful sauce makes a big difference in the final dish.
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Make it meaty: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or turkey to the cheese mixture or layer it into the sauce.
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Add vegetables: Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach can add texture and nutrients.
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Meal prep tip: Assemble the dish a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Storing and Reheating
Leftover stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions. For freezing, assemble the shells in a disposable aluminum tray, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Final Thoughts
This stuffed shells recipe is everything a comfort food dish should be—cheesy, saucy, and filling. It’s a go-to recipe that can easily be customized to fit dietary preferences or available ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, entertaining guests, or just craving a cozy pasta dish, these stuffed shells are sure to impress.
Looking for more Italian-inspired meals? Pair this dish with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, and a glass of red wine for a restaurant-quality dinner at home. Give this stuffed shells recipe a try and enjoy the cheesy goodness bite after bite!
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