If you’re craving a warm and satisfying pasta dish, these Best Stuffed Shells are the perfect comfort meal. Large pasta shells are filled with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, then baked in rich marinara sauce until bubbly and golden. Each bite is packed with cheesy goodness and classic Italian flavors that make this dish perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep. Best of all, stuffed shells are easy to assemble and can even be prepared ahead of time, making them a reliable and delicious recipe to keep in your rotation.
Table of Contents
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients List
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional toppings:
- Extra mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the shells and set them aside to cool slightly.
- In a bowl combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Spread 1 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Fill each cooked shell with the cheese mixture.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells.
- Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top if desired.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips
Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest filling.
Add spinach to the cheese mixture for extra nutrition.
You can prepare the shells a day ahead and refrigerate before baking.
Serve with garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Table
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 serving | 420 | 18g | 35g | 22g | 4g | 6g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
