The Perfect Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe for Pasta Night

Tender pasta shells cradle a delightful cheese mixture that promises comfort in every bite.

My grandmother first shared this treasured classic stuffed shells recipe during a cozy Sunday dinner.

Memories of her kitchen flood back with each carefully crafted shell.

Ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan create a luxurious filling that melts perfectly inside delicate pasta pockets.

Simple ingredients combine to produce something truly magical on your plate.

Herbs and seasonings add depth to this timeless Italian-inspired dish.

You’ll want to savor each creamy, cheesy morsel that brings warmth and joy to the table.

Reasons To Enjoy Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe

• Burst with Creamy Flavor: Each shell overflows with a rich, velvety ricotta mixture that combines multiple cheeses, creating a mouthwatering blend of savory goodness.
• Quick and Hassle-Free Preparation: This recipe comes together easily in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute meal planning.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Packed with spinach and cheesy goodness, these stuffed shells work wonderfully as a crowd-pleasing main dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
• One-Dish Wonder: Simplifies cooking and cleanup with a single baking dish, delivering maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort and time investment.

What You’ll Use For Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe

• Jumbo Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for stuffing, choose high-quality pasta for best texture and shape.

• Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Classic Italian cheese blend for creamy and rich filling, whole milk varieties provide best flavor and texture.

• Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture together and provides structure.

• Spinach: Adds nutrition and color to the filling, fresh or frozen spinach works well.
• Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers for a traditional Italian taste profile.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor, choose a high-quality jarred or homemade sauce.

• Fresh Basil or Parsley: Provides fresh, bright finishing touch to the dish.

• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the dish during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

How To Put Together Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe

Step 1: Boil Pasta Shells to Perfection

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle in salt. Bring to a rolling boil. Gently drop in jumbo pasta shells and cook until they’re tender but still have a slight bite. Drain the shells and cool them down with a cold water rinse. Let them rest on a clean kitchen towel.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cheese Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan
• Beaten egg
• Chopped spinach
• Garlic powder
• Italian herb blend
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk and fold ingredients until they form a smooth, luxurious mixture.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Setup

Crank up the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or olive oil.

Step 4: Build Your Stuffed Shell Masterpiece

Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of the baking dish. Using a spoon or piping bag, lovingly fill each shell with the cheese mixture. Nestle the stuffed shells into the sauce, arranging them snugly.

Step 5: Add Final Touches

Drizzle remaining marinara sauce over the shells, making sure each one gets a beautiful sauce bath. Sprinkle a cascade of additional mozzarella cheese on top for extra cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbling.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Serve alongside a crisp salad or warm garlic bread for a complete meal that’ll make everyone at the table smile.

Pro Tip: This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you want to impress your dinner guests with a comforting Italian-inspired creation!

Helpful Cooking Tips For Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe

• Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook shells just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking, ensuring a delightful texture in every bite.
• Spinach Swap Hack: Replace spinach with other veggies like kale or zucchini for a personalized twist that adds extra nutrition and flavor to the dish.
• Cheese Blend Magic: Mix different cheeses like ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan to create a rich, creamy filling with complex flavor profiles.
• Make-Ahead Miracle: Prepare the stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, making meal prep super convenient for busy days.
• Dietary Modification Tip: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta shells and check that marinara sauce is gluten-free, making the recipe accessible to more dietary needs.

Best Way To Store And Reheat Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe

• Refrigerate: Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. They'll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Wrap the shells tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing in a freezer-safe container. Frozen stuffed shells maintain quality for up to 2 months.
• Reheat in Oven: Preheat oven to 350F. Cover shells with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, adding a splash of marinara sauce to maintain moisture.
• Microwave Option: Place shells on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add a tablespoon of water to prevent shells from becoming rubbery.

Tasty Combos With Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Complement the rich, cheesy shells with a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese, which cuts through the creamy filling and enhances the tomato sauce's tanginess.
• Create a Crisp Salad Sidekick: Toss together a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy pasta dish, adding a fresh, peppery contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Match with Garlic Herb Focaccia: Serve warm, crusty focaccia bread brushed with olive oil and herbs to soak up the extra marinara sauce, providing a delightful textural complement to the soft stuffed shells.
• Pour Sparkling Water with Citrus: Offer a refreshing, palate-cleansing beverage like sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime to cut through the richness and provide a light, zesty accompaniment.

How To Switch Up Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe

• Protein Power Pack: Boost the protein content by adding cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken to the ricotta mixture. This hearty variation transforms the classic recipe into a more substantial meal that will satisfy hungry appetites.
• Mediterranean Magic: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of oregano into the filling. Replace marinara with a light tomato and olive oil sauce for a Greek-inspired take on stuffed shells.
• Veggie Lover's Dream: Mix in roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant to the ricotta filling. Add a handful of chopped kale or Swiss chard for extra nutrition and a vibrant green color.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Blend some diced jalapeños, green chiles, and a dash of cumin into the cheese mixture. Top with pepper jack cheese and serve with a side of salsa for a zesty kick that brings southwestern flair to the classic dish.

FAQs About Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe

• Are stuffed shells a traditional Italian dish?

While stuffed shells (conchiglie ripiene) are inspired by Italian cuisine, they are more of an Italian-American creation that became popular in the United States as a delicious pasta variation.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! This stuffed shells recipe is already vegetarian. You can easily customize it by adding more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to the ricotta mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.

• How do I prevent the shells from breaking while stuffing?

Cook the pasta shells just until al dente and handle them gently. Rinse with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and make them more manageable when filling. Use a spoon or piping bag for easier and neater stuffing.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

No worries! You can create your own blend using dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. A simple mix of dried herbs will work perfectly to give your stuffed shells that classic Italian flavor profile.

Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Pasta lovers rejoice with this classic stuffed shells recipe, brimming with rich ricotta and hearty marinara sauce. Comfort and flavor collide in this Italian-inspired dish that promises to delight diners seeking a satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Ingredients:

• 1 container (15 oz / 425 g) ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

Main Filling Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1 cup (100 g) cooked and chopped spinach
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 g) jumbo pasta shells
• 3 cups (720 ml) marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Carefully submerge the jumbo pasta shells into a generously salted, bubbling water bath. Allow them to simmer until they reach a tender yet firm texture, precisely following package guidance. Gently drain and cascade cold water over the shells to halt further cooking, then arrange on a clean surface.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, harmonize ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, whisked egg, finely chopped spinach, aromatic garlic powder, robust Italian seasoning, and a delicate balance of salt and pepper. Whisk with vigor until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Activate the oven’s warmth, calibrating the temperature to a precise 375F (190C). Tenderly coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a thin layer of culinary lubricant to prevent adherence.
4. Unveil a canvas of marinara sauce across the baking dish’s base, creating a vibrant foundation. Employ a spoon or piping implement to delicately fill each shell with the creamy ricotta amalgamation. Nestle the stuffed shells into the sauce, positioning them with their openings facing upward.
5. Cascade the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, ensuring complete and elegant coverage. Generously shower the surface with a snowfall of additional mozzarella, promising a molten, golden finish.
6. Drape the dish with aluminum armor, then slide into the preheated oven. After 25 minutes of enclosed baking, remove the protective foil and continue cooking until the cheese erupts into a bubbling, golden landscape.
7. Extract the dish from the oven’s embrace, allowing a brief moment of rest. For a final flourish, scatter freshly chopped basil or parsley across the surface. Present alongside crusty garlic bread or a crisp, verdant salad for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Ensure shells are slightly undercooked when boiling to prevent becoming mushy during baking, maintaining a perfect al dente texture.
• For a lighter version, substitute part-skim ricotta and reduce mozzarella quantity to lower overall calorie content.
• Create a gluten-free alternative by using gluten-free jumbo pasta shells and checking marinara sauce ingredients for potential gluten contamination.
• Enhance vegetable content by adding finely chopped zucchini or roasted bell peppers to the ricotta mixture for extra nutrition and flavor complexity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg