Cheesy Stuffed Pasta Shells are the definition of comfort food, jumbo pasta shells filled with a rich, creamy cheese mixture, smothered in marinara sauce, and baked until bubbly and golden. This classic Italian-inspired dish is hearty, cozy, and perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
With layers of cheese, sauce, and tender pasta, this recipe is simple to prepare yet feels restaurant-worthy. It’s also make-ahead friendly, making it ideal for busy nights or entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Cheesy – Creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan
- Comfort Food Classic – Warm, filling, and satisfying
- Family-Friendly – Loved by kids and adults
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for meal prep
- Freezer-Friendly – Great for later
- Customizable – Add meat or veggies easily
Preparation and Cooking Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Optional: fresh basil or parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta Shells
Cook jumbo shells in salted water until just al dente.
Drain and lay flat on a baking sheet to cool.
2. Make the Cheese Filling
In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Stuff the Shells
Spoon the cheese mixture into each cooked shell.
4. Assemble
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread 1 cup marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
Arrange stuffed shells on top.
Spoon remaining sauce over shells.
5. Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Uncover and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
6. Serve
Garnish with fresh herbs and extra parmesan if desired.
Serve hot.
How to Serve
Plating Tips:
Serve 3–4 shells per plate with extra sauce on top.
Perfect Side Dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Leftover Uses:
- Reheat for lunch
- Turn into a pasta bake
- Add meat sauce for variation
Beverage Pairing:
- Sparkling water
- Iced tea
- Light red wine
Additional Tips
- Don’t overcook the shells, they tear easily
- Use whole-milk ricotta for best texture
- Add spinach for extra nutrition
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving
Variations
- Meat Stuffed Shells: Add cooked ground beef or sausage
- Spinach & Ricotta: Mix in chopped spinach
- Alfredo Version: Use white sauce instead of marinara
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes
Storage & Freezing
Refrigerate: Up to 4 days
Freeze: Up to 2 months (before or after baking)
Reheat: Oven or microwave until heated through
Special Equipment
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish
- Spoon
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes, assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
Can I freeze cheesy stuffed shells?
Yes, freeze before baking for best results.
What cheese works best?
Ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan are classic.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free jumbo shells.
