Stuffed Shells

If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together quickly, stuffed shells are the way to go. Stuffed Shells combine tender pasta shells filled with a creamy, cheesy mixture baked in a rich tomato sauce, making each bite a delicious hug on a plate. Learn how to make delicious stuffed shells quickly with this easy, step-by-step recipe perfect for weeknight dinners and family meals that will become your new favorite dish in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: The recipe is designed for speedy preparation without sacrificing flavor, perfect for busy evenings.
• Hearty and Comforting: Each bite offers a creamy cheese filling with savory sauce, making it perfect for satisfying hunger.
• Family Friendly: Stuffed shells are loved by kids and adults alike, making it great for sharing around the dinner table.
• Customizable: You can tailor the fillings and sauces easily to match your personal taste or dietary needs.
• Freezer Friendly: Prepare ahead and freeze for convenient meals later on.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This simple yet essential selection of ingredients balances texture, flavor, and richness, creating the perfect stuffed shells without fuss. Each one plays a crucial role to make the dish flavorful and comforting.

• Jumbo pasta shells: The perfect size and shape to hold the creamy filling and bake nicely without falling apart.
• Ricotta cheese: Creates a smooth and creamy filling that’s mild and rich.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, stretchy goodness.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty depth that enhances the overall flavor.
• Spinach (optional): For an extra layer of freshness and nutrients, finely chopped is best.
• Egg: Helps bind the filling ingredients together so they hold inside the shells perfectly.
• Marinara or tomato sauce: A vibrant, savory sauce that bakes into the shells adding moisture and zest.
• Garlic and herbs: Fresh or dried basil, oregano, and minced garlic brighten the flavors and bring aroma.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to balance all the rich and fresh components.

Variations for Stuffed Shells

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, encouraging creative twists depending on what you have on hand or prefer in a meal. Feel free to experiment with flavors and ingredients to make it your own.

• Meaty Stuffed Shells: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or turkey into the filling for a protein-packed upgrade.
• Vegan Option: Substitute ricotta with tofu-based cheese alternatives and use vegan mozzarella and egg replacers.
• Herb Infused: Mix fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary in the filling to elevate the dish with garden-fresh flavors.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the sauce or filling for heat lovers.
• Cheese Variety: Swap parmesan with pecorino or add fontina for a more complex cheesy filling.

How to Make Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and rinse gently with cold water to stop the cooking process and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling

In a large bowl, combine ricotta, half of the mozzarella, parmesan, egg, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. If using spinach, make sure it’s well-drained and finely chopped before folding it in. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Stuff the Shells

Using a spoon, fill each cooked shell generously with the cheese mixture, making sure every shell is nicely packed but not overstuffed to avoid bursting during baking.

Step 4: Assemble in Baking Dish

Spoon a layer of marinara sauce into the bottom of your baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer on top of the sauce, then cover generously with the remaining marinara and sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese over the entire dish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the stuffed shells sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld and make serving easier without the filling falling out.

Pro Tips for Making Stuffed Shells

• Don’t overcook pasta: Cook shells al dente since they will cook further in the oven and you want them to hold their shape.
• Drain spinach well: Excess moisture in spinach can make the filling watery; squeezing out water is essential.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil or oregano significantly enhances the aroma and taste compared to dried.
• Cover tightly during baking: Prevents drying out and helps bubbles develop in the sauce and cheese.
• Rest before serving: Helps the filling set and makes portions neater when plating.

How to Serve Stuffed Shells

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley and an extra dusting of parmesan cheese right before serving to brighten the dish and add color.

Side Dishes

Stuffed shells pair wonderfully with a crisp mixed green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to round out the meal with fresh and crunchy textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, serve stuffed shells in individual mini casserole dishes or ramekins for a personalized touch, or layer in a glass casserole dish to display its vibrant layers through the sides.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This makes for an easy meal to warm up or pack for lunches.

Freezing

Stuffed shells freeze beautifully either before or after baking. Wrap tightly with foil and place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated stuffed shells covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick option.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach in Stuffed Shells?

Yes, frozen spinach works well if fully thawed and squeezed dry to remove as much moisture as possible before mixing into the filling.

What type of ricotta cheese is best for this recipe?

Whole milk ricotta offers the best creaminess and flavor, but part-skim ricotta can be used for a lighter option with slightly less richness.

Can I prepare stuffed shells completely ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can assemble the dish a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking, which makes meal prep easier and flavors more melded.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, by using plant-based cheese substitutes and vegan ricotta alternatives, you can adapt the stuffed shells to dairy-free diets.

How do I prevent stuffed shells from sticking to the pan?

Coating the baking dish lightly with oil or a thin layer of marinara sauce before placing the shells helps prevent sticking and makes serving smoother.

Final Thoughts

Stuffed shells are truly one of those feel-good meals that bring warmth and smiles to every table. This fast and easy recipe takes the hassle out of dinner prep while delivering rich flavors and comforting textures that everyone will appreciate. So go ahead, dive into making your perfect batch of stuffed shells tonight — your family and taste buds will thank you!

Related Posts

• french onion scalloped potatoes
• Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole
• Mozzarella Chicken Bake

Print