Gooey Cheesy Stuffed Shells Recipe: A Comforting Family Favorite

Pasta shells bursting with velvety ricotta and gooey mozzarella cheese create a comforting Italian-inspired stuffed shells dish that promises pure culinary bliss.

These delectable shells combine rich, creamy textures with robust flavors that dance on your palate.

Each perfectly crafted shell cradles a luxurious cheese mixture, promising a delightful experience with every bite.

The recipe delivers a hearty meal that feels like a warm embrace from an Italian grandmother’s kitchen.

Melted cheese cascades over tender pasta, creating an irresistible golden-brown crust that beckons you closer.

Weeknight dinners or special gatherings will never be the same once you master this crowd-pleasing classic.

Prepare to savor a dish that turns simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients That Bring Stuffed Shells to Life

• Jumbo Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for holding generous amounts of creamy filling, choose high-quality pasta with uniform size for even cooking and beautiful presentation.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy base that provides rich, smooth texture and delightful mild flavor for stuffing shells.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating irresistible stretchy cheese pulls and adding golden-brown topping when baked.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty depth and enhances overall cheese complexity in the dish.
• Fresh Basil: Brings bright, herbal notes that elevate the entire recipe's flavor profile.
• Garlic: Infuses intense aromatic warmth and depth to the cheese mixture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance the cheese blend.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian tomato sauce that provides tangy, rich base for the stuffed shells.
• Olive Oil: Adds subtle fruity undertone and helps prevent sticking during preparation.

Cooking Tools That Make Stuffed Shells Stress-Free

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta shells and creating enough water volume for even cooking.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta shells after boiling and rinse with cool water.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurate ingredient measurements, especially for ricotta and cheese.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining ricotta, herbs, and seasonings for the filling.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting Board: Useful for chopping fresh herbs or preparing additional ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Required for precise herb and ingredient preparation.

Assemble and Bake Stuffed Shells with Confidence

• Boil Pasta Shells

Grab a big pot and fill it with water, toss in some salt. Drop the jumbo shells into the bubbling water and cook until they’re perfectly tender. Watch them closely to avoid overcooking.

• Cool and Prepare Shells

Once the shells are done, carefully drain them in a colander. Give them a quick rinse with cool water to stop the cooking and prevent them from sticking together. Lay them out gently on a clean surface.

• Create Cheesy Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine creamy ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Crack in an egg and sprinkle with dried herbs like basil and oregano. Mix everything until smooth and well-blended.

• Stuff the Shells

Take each shell and carefully fill it with the cheesy mixture. Use a spoon to gently press the filling into every nook and cranny. Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish.

• Cover with Sauce

Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure each one gets a good coating. Sprinkle extra cheese on top for a golden, bubbly finish.

• Bake to Perfection

Pop the baking dish into a preheated oven. Bake until the cheese melts and turns slightly golden, and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Fillings and Variations for Stuffed Shells

• Mix ricotta with mozzarella and parmesan for a richer, more complex flavor profile that elevates the traditional filling.
• Prepare the stuffed shells up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate, covered. This technique saves time and allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Swap regular pasta shells for gluten-free jumbo shells to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities without compromising taste.
• Sneak finely chopped spinach or zucchini into the cheese mixture for added nutrition and a subtle green color that kids won't even notice.
• These shells freeze perfectly for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to preserve texture and prevent freezer burn.

Serve Stuffed Shells as a Cozy Family Dinner

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Arrange the stuffed shells on a large platter with fresh basil leaves scattered on top, creating a stunning presentation that invites everyone to dig in.
• Hearty Side Companions: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the cheesy shells and add extra nutrition.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the dish with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio to enhance the flavors and create a restaurant-quality dining experience at home.
• Leftover Love Transform: Reheat shells the next day by adding a splash of marinara sauce to prevent drying out, making a delicious lunch or quick weeknight meal that tastes just as good as the first serving.

How to Store and Reheat Stuffed Shells Smoothly

• Keep cooked shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring they stay fresh and ready for quick meals.
• Arrange filled shells in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months for convenient make-ahead dining.
• Separate shells into individual serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners that save time and reduce food waste.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed stuffed shells in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain delicious moisture and flavor.

FAQs

• Are jumbo shells the best pasta for this recipe?

Yes, jumbo shells are perfect because they’re large enough to hold the filling and create a generous bite of cheese and sauce.

• Can I use a different type of cheese in the filling?

Ricotta is traditional, but you can substitute with cottage cheese or a blend of soft cheeses like mascarpone for a slightly different flavor profile.

• How do I prevent the shells from sticking together after cooking?

After boiling, immediately rinse shells with cool water and arrange them separately on a clean kitchen towel or baking sheet to prevent them from clumping or tearing.

• What's the best way to fill the shells without making a mess?

Use a small spoon or a piping bag to neatly fill each shell, ensuring even distribution of the cheese mixture without overstuffing.

Cheesy Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Hearty Easy Stuffed Shells showcase rich Italian-American comfort cuisine with creamy ricotta and spinach nestled in al dente pasta shells. Melted cheese and herbal notes complete this satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz (340 g) jumbo pasta shells (about 24 shells)
• 2.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 tablespoons parsley, fresh and chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Shell Preparation: Boil water in a large pot with liberal salt, creating a rolling bubbling environment for pasta cooking.
2. Pasta Cooking: Immerse jumbo shells into vigorously boiling water, cooking until achieving a perfectly tender texture with subtle resilience, approximately 8-9 minutes.
3. Cooling Strategy: Drain shells immediately, then cascade cool water over them to interrupt cooking process, preventing overcooking and maintaining structural integrity.
4. Shell Arrangement: Delicately spread shells across a pristine kitchen towel, ensuring minimal contact between individual pasta pieces to prevent unwanted adhesion and facilitate smooth filling preparation.

Notes

• Prevent Shell Sticking: Gently separate shells after draining to avoid clumping and ensure easy filling later.
• Master Al Dente Texture: Cook shells just until tender with a slight bite, avoiding overcooking which leads to mushy, fragile pasta.
• Quick Cooling Technique: Rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process and maintain ideal shell structure for stuffing.
• Strategic Surface Preparation: Use a clean, lint-free kitchen towel to spread shells flat, allowing them to cool evenly and remain intact for filling.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg