Timeless Comfort: Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe for the Soul

Creamy, cheesy shells stuffed with ricotta have been a comfort food staple for generations.

This classic stuffed shells recipe brings Italian-inspired goodness right to your dinner table.

Soft pasta pockets cradle a rich blend of ingredients that melt together perfectly.

Each shell bursts with flavor, promising a satisfying meal that feels like a warm embrace.

The combination of smooth ricotta, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese creates an irresistible dish.

Fresh herbs sprinkled on top add a bright, aromatic touch that elevates every bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 3

Everything Needed For Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe

• Jumbo Shells: Sturdy pasta perfect for holding creamy fillings, choose high-quality shells that maintain shape during cooking.

• Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy dairy trio providing rich, smooth texture and deep savory flavor, select fresh, high-moisture cheeses for best melting.
• Egg: Binding agent that helps hold filling together, ensures smooth consistency and prevents crumbling.
• Spinach: Adds vibrant color, nutritional boost, and earthy undertones, opt for fresh or well-drained frozen spinach.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated garlic essence without overwhelming moisture, enhances overall seasoning.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends aromatic herbs for authentic Mediterranean flavor profile, choose blend with balanced oregano, basil, and thyme.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers, balance and elevate other ingredients' natural tastes.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce providing tangy, bright foundation, select robust, well-seasoned sauce.
• Fresh Basil, Parsley: Optional garnish adding fresh herbal notes and visual appeal, use finely chopped herbs just before serving.

Tools List For Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe

• Large pot: Perfect for boiling pasta shells with plenty of room.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ricotta and other filling ingredients smoothly.
• Baking dish (9×13 inch): Ideal for baking and presenting the stuffed shells.
• Spoon or piping bag: Helps fill shells neatly and precisely.
• Colander: Necessary for draining cooked pasta shells.
• Aluminum foil: Covers dish during initial baking to prevent burning.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient portions.
• Sharp knife: Useful for chopping herbs for garnish.

Steps To Make Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe

• Pasta Preparation

Boil a pot of water and cook jumbo shells until they’re perfectly tender. Drain and cool them down, creating a smooth canvas for your delicious filling.

• Creamy Mixture Magic

Blend ricotta with mozzarella, Parmesan, and a hint of spinach. This flavorful combination will transform ordinary shells into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

• Baking Setup

Warm up the oven and grab a baking dish. Spread a layer of marinara sauce across the bottom, creating a vibrant foundation for your shells.

• Shell Stuffing

Carefully fill each shell with the luscious cheese blend. Arrange them snugly in the sauce-covered dish, creating a tempting arrangement that promises deliciousness.

• Cheese and Sauce Finale

Drench the shells with remaining marinara and shower them with extra mozzarella. The cheese will melt into a golden, irresistible blanket that makes everyone’s mouth water.

• Oven Transformation

Cover the dish and bake until the shells are heated through and the cheese becomes gloriously bubbly. The aroma will fill your kitchen with pure comfort.

• Serving Celebration

Let the dish rest briefly, then sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve alongside a crisp salad or warm bread for a complete meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe Tips And Extras

• Pro Stuffing Technique: Gently spoon or pipe the ricotta mixture into shells to avoid tearing the delicate pasta, ensuring each shell is completely filled but not overstuffed.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the stuffed shells up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Simply bake when ready to serve, adding 5-10 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Protein Power-Up: Enhance the filling by mixing in cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken for a heartier meal that adds extra protein and flavor.
• Vegetarian Veggie Boost: Swap spinach for roasted zucchini, sautéed mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to create different flavor profiles while keeping the dish meat-free and nutritious.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free jumbo shells and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Serving Tips For Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe

• Mediterranean Feast Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad with feta, olives, and cucumber for a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired meal that balances the rich, cheesy shells.
• Cozy Family Dinner: Partner the shells with warm, crusty garlic bread and a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to create a comforting family-style dining experience.
• Wine and Dine Suggestion: Complement the dish with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which cuts through the creamy cheese and enhances the tomato sauce's flavors.
• Protein Boost Option: Add grilled chicken or Italian sausage on the side for meat lovers wanting extra protein and a more substantial meal that still highlights the delicious stuffed shells.

How To Store Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe Right

• Smart Meal Stashing: Refrigerate leftover stuffed shells in airtight containers for up to 4 days, keeping flavors locked in tight and maintaining delicious texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual portions or entire dish in freezer-safe containers, surviving frozen storage for 2-3 months without losing taste quality or ingredient integrity.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated shells in microwave for 2-3 minutes, covering with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Oven method involves 350F heating for 15-20 minutes until thoroughly hot.
• Prep-Ahead Brilliance: Assemble entire dish ahead of time, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. This technique allows busy cooks to have dinner ready with minimal last-minute effort.

Cheesy Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Comforting classic stuffed shells recipe brings Italian-American pasta magic to dinner tables. Creamy ricotta, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella create a satisfying meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups (720 ml) marinara sauce
• 12 oz (340 g) jumbo pasta shells
• 1 container (15 oz / 425 g) ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups (150 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup (100 g) spinach, cooked and chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsps fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Immerse jumbo shells in a salted, boiling water bath until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent further cooking, then set aside on a clean surface.
2. Cheese Mixture Creation: Combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, spinach, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Blend thoroughly until smooth and well-incorporated.
3. Oven Setup and Dish Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
4. Shell Filling and Sauce Layering: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Carefully stuff each shell with the cheese mixture and arrange them open-side up in the sauce. Pour additional marinara over the shells, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Cheese Topping and Baking: Sprinkle extra mozzarella over the shells. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until cheese melts and turns golden brown.
6. Finishing Touches: Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• Optimize Shell Texture: Cook pasta shells al dente to prevent mushiness, ensuring they hold stuffing without falling apart during baking.
• Prevent Watery Filling: Drain ricotta cheese using cheesecloth or paper towels to remove excess moisture, guaranteeing a thick, creamy stuffing that won’t make the dish soggy.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap traditional cheeses with plant-based alternatives for vegan version; use gluten-free pasta shells for gluten-sensitive individuals; substitute spinach with roasted vegetables for varied nutrition.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Add red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like oregano and thyme to the cheese mixture for an extra flavor dimension, elevating the classic recipe with subtle, sophisticated undertones.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 640 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg