What You’ll Love About This Recipe
You’ll love this homemade stuffed shells recipe because it’s easy to make and full of flavor, perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests.
Filling & Flavor: A creamy ricotta and mozzarella mixture, seasoned just right, makes every bite delicious.
Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or meats to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a hearty dish that everyone will enjoy, and leftovers taste even better the next day!
Recipe
Stuffed shells are a classic Italian-American dish that combines tender pasta shells with a rich, cheesy filling, all baked in a savory tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for a comforting family dinner or a special occasion, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Fill each pasta shell with the cheese mixture and place them seam-side up in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired before serving.
Notes:
- For a meaty version, cook and crumble 1 pound of Italian sausage or ground beef and mix it into the cheese filling.
- Stuffed shells can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
Time:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Cuisine:
Italian-American
Serving:
6-8 servings
Nutrition
Nutritional values per serving based on a standard homemade stuffed shells recipe with ricotta and marinara sauce.
| Calories | Protein | Carbohydrates | Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 320 | 18g | 28g | 14g | 45mg | 480mg | 2g | 4g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade stuffed shells with garlic bread—it’s warm, crispy, and perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. A fresh salad on the side adds a nice crunch and balances out the richness of the dish. Together, they make the meal feel complete and extra satisfying.
Garlic Bread
What’s better than a plate of cheesy stuffed shells? Garlic bread, warm and golden, right out of the oven! I always make it to go with my shells—it’s practically a must. I start with a crusty baguette, slice it up, and slather it with a mix of butter, garlic, and parsley. Pop it in the oven till it’s crispy on the edges but still soft inside. The smell alone is amazing! It’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from the shells, and it adds that extra flavor kick. Trust me, you won’t regret pairing them together!
Fresh Salad
After enjoying the garlic bread and stuffed shells, a fresh salad can balance out the meal with something light and crisp. I love tossing together mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a sprinkle of red onion for color and crunch. A simple vinaigrette—olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper—ties it all together without overpowering the flavors. If you want extra texture, add some toasted almonds or croutons. It’s invigorating, easy to make, and complements the richness of the main dish perfectly. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without feeling like you’re missing out.
