Cheesy Baked Stuffed Shells

Oh, stuffed shells? Now we’re talking comfort food at its best. Cheesy, saucy, and baked to perfection. It’s like a warm hug in every bite.

I’ve made these more times than I can count. And let me tell you, they never disappoint. The best part? They’re super easy to make, even if you’re not a kitchen pro.

Imagine jumbo pasta shells, stuffed with creamy ricotta, bubbling under a blanket of rich tomato sauce. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table happy. And leftovers? Even better the next day.

So, let’s get cooking! I’ll walk you through every step. You’ll have a delicious, homemade meal in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy Filling – A velvety ricotta and parmesan blend makes every bite satisfying.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Make ahead and bake later for a stress-free dinner.
• Freezer-Friendly – Prep and freeze for a quick meal whenever you need it.
• Customizable – Add spinach, ground beef, or sausage to suit your taste.
• Crowd-Pleaser – Great for family gatherings, holidays, or casual weeknights.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings

This recipe makes about 20 stuffed shells, serving 4 to 6 people.

Difficulty

Beginner-Friendly – Simple steps make it easy to prepare, even if you’re new to cooking.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make stuffed shells, you’ll need:

• Large Pot – For boiling the pasta shells.
• Large Skillet – To sauté the aromatics.
• Mixing Bowls – For combining the cheese filling.
• 9×13 Baking Dish – For baking the stuffed shells.
• Spoon or Piping Bag – To fill the pasta shells evenly.

Ingredients for Stuffed Shells

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this comforting dish:

• Jumbo Pasta Shells – Holds the creamy filling perfectly.
• Olive Oil – Enhances flavor and prevents sticking.
• Onion – Adds depth and aroma to the sauce.
• Garlic Cloves – Infuses bold, rich flavor.
• Salt & Black Pepper – For seasoning.
• Dried Oregano – Gives the sauce a warm, herby taste.
• Marinara Sauce – A classic tomato sauce for the base.
• Ricotta Cheese – Creamy and mild, perfect for stuffing.
• Egg – Helps bind the cheese mixture.
• Parmesan Cheese – Adds a sharp, nutty flavor.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully on top.
• Parsley – Fresh and bright for garnish.

How to Make Stuffed Shells (Step-by-Step Instructions)

1. Cook the Pasta Shells

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until just al dente (firm but tender).
• Drain the shells and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
• Drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
• Pour in the marinara sauce, season with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon dried oregano, and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
• Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Make the Ricotta Filling

• In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg (beaten)
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup chopped parsley
• Mix until smooth and well combined.

4. Fill the Pasta Shells

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
• Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the dish.
• Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta mixture.
• Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in the baking dish.

5. Assemble the Dish

• Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure they’re fully covered.
• Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.

6. Bake the Stuffed Shells

• Cover the baking dish loosely with foil (to prevent the cheese from over-browning).
• Bake for 25 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Let the shells rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving and Garnishing

• Sprinkle fresh parsley over the baked shells for a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
• Add a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese on top before serving for extra richness.

Storing and Reheating

Refrigeration:

• Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

• Before baking: Assemble the stuffed shells in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• After baking: Let the shells cool completely, then freeze individual portions in airtight containers. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Reheating:

• Oven: Cover the dish with foil and warm at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions for 1-2 minutes until warm.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercook the shells (al dente) so they don’t become too soft when baked.
• Use a Piping Bag: For easy filling, transfer the ricotta mixture into a piping bag or a resealable bag with the corner cut off.
• Customize the Filling: Add spinach, cooked sausage, or ground beef for more texture and flavor.
• Extra Cheesy? Swap some mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a richer cheese pull.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	420 kcal
Protein	22g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	10g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	6g
Sodium	850mg

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and vary based on ingredients used.

FAQs

Can I make stuffed shells ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the stuffed shells up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes! Blend cottage cheese until smooth for a similar texture.

How do I prevent the shells from breaking?

Don’t overcook them—boil just until al dente and handle gently.

Can I add meat to this recipe?

Absolutely! Cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken make great additions to the filling.

Conclusion

Stuffed shells are a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s easy to make and perfect for meal prep. Whether you enjoy them fresh, freeze for later, or customize them with your favorite ingredients, they’re sure to be a hit. Try them today and enjoy a warm, home-cooked meal with family and friends.