Stuffed Shells Recipe

by

Stuffed shells are a comforting Italian classic, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. This recipe features jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta mixture, baked to perfection in marinara sauce.

Ingredients

For the shells:

  • 20 jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)

For the filling:

  • 15 oz (425g) ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the sauce and topping:

  • 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the shells:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo shells and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the filling:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.
  3. Stuff the shells:
    • Use a spoon to fill each cooked shell with the ricotta mixture. Be generous but avoid overfilling to keep the shells intact.
  4. Assemble the dish:
    • Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer on top of the sauce.
    • Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, ensuring they’re evenly covered.
  5. Bake:
    • Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the marinara sauce. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
    • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Serve:
    • Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 2 months.

Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish!

Leave a Comment