Deliciously Cheesy Stuffed Shells Recipe
This recipe is great because it’s easy to make, but it looks and tastes like something from a fancy Italian restaurant. Whether you’re cooking for your family, a gathering with friends, or just meal-prepping for the week, these stuffed shells are always a hit.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Strainer
- Mixing Bowls
- Baking dish (9x13-inch)
- Spoon or piping bag
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum Foil
- Oven Mitts
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Shells:
- 20-25 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 15-ounce container ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley optional, for garnish
For a Simple Side Salad (Optional):
- 4 cups mixed greens like romaine or spinach
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes sliced
- ¼ cup sliced cucumbers
- ¼ cup shredded carrots
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garlic Bread (Optional):
- 1 baguette or loaf of Italian bread
- ¼ cup butter melted
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook them 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions (they will continue to cook in the oven).
- Drain the shells and rinse them with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir everything together until smooth and well mixed.
Step 3: Fill the Shells
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of your baking dish.
- Use a spoon (or a piping bag for less mess) to fill each pasta shell with about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture.
- Place the filled shells in the baking dish, open side up.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
- Pour the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake!
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Let the dish cool for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~400-500 kcal
- Protein: ~20g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fat: ~18g
- Saturated Fat: ~9g
- Cholesterol: ~65mg
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sugar: ~6g
- Sodium: ~750mg
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.