Stuffed shells are a favorite comfort food. They are filled with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. You also get herbs and spices in there.
These shells are baked in a tasty tomato sauce. It makes the dish cheesy and saucy. It’s perfect for family dinners.
Stuffed Shells Recipe
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients
For the Pasta Shells
- Jumbo pasta shells: 12-16 (1 box, cooked al dente)
For the Cheese Filling
- Ricotta cheese: 1 ½ cups (375 g)
- Mozzarella cheese: 1 ½ cups (shredded, divided)
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup (grated)
- Egg: 1 large
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp (chopped)
- Fresh basil: 2 tbsp (chopped, optional)
- Garlic: 2 cloves (minced)
- Salt and pepper: To taste
For the Sauce
- Tomato sauce: 2 cups (homemade or store-bought)
- Diced tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz) can
- Garlic: 2 cloves (minced)
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Crushed red pepper flakes: ¼ tsp (optional)
- Salt and pepper: To taste
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil: 2 tbsp (chopped)
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 2 tbsp
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare 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 the shells under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, basil (if using), garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Stuff the Shells
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce mixture in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spoon the cheese filling into each cooked shell, about 2-3 tablespoons per shell. Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish, seam side up.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the stuffed shells, covering them evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve alongside a fresh garden salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Cook Shells Al Dente: Avoid overcooking the shells to prevent them from tearing during stuffing.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the stuffed shells and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Customize: Add cooked spinach, roasted vegetables, or crumbled sausage to the filling for variation.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze unbaked stuffed shells in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Bake frozen shells at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes, or reheat refrigerated shells in the oven for 20 minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Stuffed shells are a classic Italian-American pasta dish made with large pasta shells filled with a creamy cheese mixture.
- The stuffed shells are baked in a flavorful tomato sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Stuffed shells are a popular comfort food and family dinner option.
- The dish features a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, as well as herbs and spices.
- Stuffed shells are a versatile dish that can be customized with different fillings and sauces.
Stuffed Shells: A Delectable Pasta Favorite
Stuffed pasta shells are a favorite in Italian-American cuisine. They are a comforting meal loved by many in the United States. The dish has big pasta shells filled with a creamy, cheesy pasta bake mix. It’s then baked in a tasty tomato sauce.
This mix of tender pasta, rich filling, and tangy sauce makes it a classic comfort food. It’s sure to make your taste buds happy.
Stuffed shells can be a main dish or a side. You can change the filling to suit your taste. Options range from ricotta and mozzarella to seafood or veggies.
“Stuffed shells are the epitome of Italian-American comfort food. The combination of tender pasta, creamy cheese, and tangy tomato sauce is simply irresistible.”
Stuffed pasta shells are perfect for family gatherings or when you want a cozy meal. Their rich flavors and beautiful look make them a timeless favorite. They will keep being loved in Italian-American cuisine for many years.
The Art of Stuffing Pasta Shells
Making perfect stuffed shells is like art. You need to pick the right pasta and make the filling just right. Every step is important for a tasty, Italian dish.
Selecting the Perfect Shells
Choosing the right pasta shells is key. Look for big, strong shells that can hold lots of filling. Choose al dente shells for the best taste and texture.
Crafting the Ideal Filling
The filling is a mix of creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Add herbs and spices for flavor. This ricotta cheese filling makes the pasta shells taste amazing.
“The key to a truly exceptional stuffed shells dish is in the filling. It should be rich, creamy, and bursting with the essence of Italy.”
To make the filling, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Add garlic, basil, salt, and pepper. This filling for stuffed shells will make your dish unforgettable.
Traditional Italian Stuffed Shells Recipe
Try this traditional stuffed shells recipe for a taste of Italy. It’s a classic Italian-American pasta dish. The pasta shells are filled with ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. They’re seasoned with parsley and basil.
These homemade stuffed shells are baked in tomato sauce. It makes a meal that’s comforting and satisfying for everyone.
To make this traditional stuffed shells recipe, just follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil salted water and cook jumbo pasta shells until al dente. Drain and cool them.
- Mix ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir well.
- Fill each pasta shell with the cheese mixture.
- Put tomato sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the shells in a layer.
- Cover with more tomato sauce and bake for 25-30 minutes. The cheese should melt and bubble.
Serve the traditional stuffed shells recipe hot. Add some parsley or basil on top. It’s a true classic Italian-American pasta dish experience. Enjoy!

Vegetarian Stuffed Shells: A Meatless Marvel
Looking for a tasty meatless dish? Vegetarian stuffed shells are a great choice. They’re a tasty twist on the classic Italian dish. You can try spinach and ricotta stuffed shells or roasted vegetable stuffed shells.
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Spinach and ricotta stuffed shells have a creamy filling. It’s made with fresh spinach and ricotta cheese. This dish is loved by those who want more plant-based meals.
Roasted Vegetable Stuffed Shells
Roasted vegetable stuffed shells are a colorful and tasty choice. They’re filled with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and onions. This dish is enjoyed by both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
Vegetarian Stuffed Shells Variations | Key Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
---|---|---|
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells | Fresh spinach, ricotta cheese | Creamy, indulgent |
Roasted Vegetable Stuffed Shells | Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, onions | Vibrant, flavorful |
Spinach and ricotta stuffed shells and roasted vegetable stuffed shells are tasty meatless options. They’re perfect for vegetarians or anyone wanting more plant-based meals.
Baking Stuffed Shells to Perfection
Baking stuffed shells is a bit tricky, but easy with some tips. Make sure the pasta is cooked well, the filling is hot, and the sauce is rich. This makes the dish taste amazing.
First, boil the pasta shells before stuffing them. This stops them from breaking. Let them cool a bit, then fill them up.
- Make the filling ahead of time. This lets the flavors mix well.
- Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps everything bake evenly.
- Put tomato sauce at the bottom of your dish. Then, place the stuffed shells on top.
- Put foil over the dish and bake for 20-25 minutes. The shells should be hot, and the cheese bubbly.
- For a golden top, take off the foil for the last 5 minutes.
Follow these steps to make baking stuffed shells to perfection. Your dish will be the perfect stuffed pasta. Enjoy it with a salad and garlic bread for a great Italian meal.

Patience is key when it comes to baking stuffed shells. Take the time to ensure the pasta is fully cooked and the filling is hot and bubbly for the best possible results.
Serving Suggestions for Stuffed Shells
Stuffed shells are a tasty main dish. They go great with some special sides. Try them with a fresh garden salad and garlic bread.
Pair with a Fresh Garden Salad
A fresh garden salad with stuffed shells is perfect. It’s cool and crunchy. It makes the creamy shells taste even better.
Garlic Bread: A Classic Accompaniment
No stuffed shells meal is complete without garlic bread. It’s warm and full of garlic. It’s a great match for the soft shells.
Side Dish | How it Enhances Stuffed Shells |
---|---|
Garden Salad | Provides a refreshing, light contrast to the rich, creamy pasta dish. |
Garlic Bread | Adds a crunchy, flavorful element that complements the stuffed shells. |
Pairing your serving stuffed shells with these sides makes a great meal. It’s sure to please your taste buds.
Stuffed Shells for Meal Prep and Leftovers
Meal prepping with stuffed shells is a big help on busy weeknights. These pasta pockets are not just tasty. They also make great leftovers. Making a batch ahead of time saves you time and effort.
Storing and reheating stuffed shells is easy. Let them cool down after baking. Then, put them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Add some extra tomato sauce to keep them moist and flavorful.
To reheat, just put them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. Or, heat them in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. This way, they stay soft and delicious.
Stuffed shells are great for meal prep because they freeze well. They’re perfect for lunch or dinner. Having them ready means you always have a tasty Italian dish on hand.
“Stuffed shells are a fantastic make-ahead meal that can be enjoyed all week long. The flavor only gets better with time!”
Storage Method | Refrigerator | Freezer |
---|---|---|
Cooked Stuffed Shells | 3-4 days | 2-3 months |
Uncooked Stuffed Shells | 2-3 days | 2-3 months |
Variations on the Classic Stuffed Shells
There are many fun ways to make stuffed shells. You can try Mexican-style or seafood versions. These new flavors make the dish exciting and tasty.
Mexican-Inspired Stuffed Shells
Mexican flavors make stuffed shells special. They have spices, black beans, and Mexican cheeses. Add salsa verde and cilantro for a burst of flavor.
Seafood Stuffed Shells
Seafood shells are a treat. They mix shrimp, crab, or lobster with ricotta and lemon. Serve with white wine sauce for a fancy dish.