Stuffed shells are big pasta shells filled with creamy cheese and flavorful herbs. They’re baked until bubbly and delicious, making them the perfect comfort food!
Honestly, there’s something magical about cheese melting in the oven! I love serving these with a side salad for a tasty meal that feels special without a ton of fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jumbo Pasta Shells: These are the stars of the dish! If you can’t find them, try using manicotti or even cannelloni. Just make sure any alternative can hold up to being stuffed and baked.
Ricotta Cheese: This gives the filling a creamy texture. If you’re dairy-free, use a plant-based ricotta or cottage cheese. I’ve often mixed in some goat cheese for an extra kick!
Spinach: It’s optional but adds freshness. You can substitute with kale or Swiss chard if you like. Rinse and chop finely before mixing it in.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought is fine, but homemade tastes even better! You can even use Alfredo sauce if you want a creamy touch instead of the classic red sauce.
How Do You Stuff These Shells Without Making a Mess?
Stuffing the shells can be a bit tricky, but here are some tips to keep it neat:
- Use a pastry bag or a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off to easily fill each shell without spilling.
- Fill the shells generously but be careful not to overstuff them so they don’t burst while baking.
- As you fill each shell, gently place it in the baking dish to keep everything organized. This way, you’ll enjoy the beautiful layers of pasta and sauce.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly stuffed shells every time! Happy cooking!
Stuffed Shells
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 20-25 jumbo pasta shells
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 40 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at roughly 55 minutes to enjoy these cheesy stuffed shells straight from the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil to keep those tasty shells from sticking.
2. Cook The Pasta Shells:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Carefully add the jumbo pasta shells and cook them according to the instructions on the package until they are al dente (this usually takes about 8-10 minutes). Once cooked, drain the shells and put them in a bowl. Drizzle a little olive oil over them to prevent sticking and set aside.
3. Make The Cheese Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, the egg, chopped spinach (if you’re using it), minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s creamy and well blended.
4. Fill The Shells:
Using a spoon, generously fill each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture. Don’t be shy—load them up!
5. Prepare The Baking Dish:
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of your greased baking dish. This will keep the shells from sticking and give extra flavor.
6. Arrange The Stuffed Shells:
Place the stuffed shells in a single layer in the baking dish. After that, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure they’re nicely coated.
7. Add The Cheese Topping:
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the dish. This will create a delicious cheesy crust!
8. Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it into the oven. Bake for 25 minutes.
9. Let It Brown:
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to be melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once out of the oven, garnish with extra chopped parsley if you like, and serve your delicious stuffed shells warm. They pair perfectly with a green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal!
Feel free to share these instructions with friends and family. Enjoy your cooking!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! You can mix it up by using a combination of mozzarella, ricotta, and even fontina or feta for added flavor. If you prefer a dairy-free option, look for plant-based cheeses that melt well.
Can I Prepare These Shells in Advance?
Yes! You can stuff the shells a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Just cover them with foil to keep them fresh. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they’re chilled.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop them in the microwave or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
What Can I Serve with Stuffed Shells?
Stuffed shells go wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread. You can also pair them with steamed veggies or a fresh caprese salad for a light and satisfying meal!
