Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ll want to stick around for this Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe. I absolutely love this dish because it combines creamy, cheesy filling with tender pasta shells baked in rich marinara sauce—seriously, it’s a crowd-pleaser every single time. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for something cozy yet impressive.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients can really make or break your Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe. I always recommend fresh cheeses and a good quality marinara sauce because they bring out the best flavor and creaminess.

• Jumbo pasta shells: These large shells are perfect for stuffing and hold just the right amount of filling.
• Ricotta cheese: I prefer whole milk ricotta for a richer texture, but part-skim works if you want a lighter option.
• Mozzarella cheese: Freshly grated mozzarella melts beautifully and adds that gooey, cheesy goodness.
• Italian seasoning: This blend adds just the right herbal kick without overpowering the dish.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that underline the flavors.
• Egg: Acts as a binder to keep the filling together.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated parmesan adds a sharp, salty depth to the filling.
• Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred or homemade sauce for that authentic tomato flavor.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the dish with a pop of color and flavor.
• Cooking spray: To grease your baking dish and prevent sticking.

Variations

One of the things I love about my Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Feel free to tweak the filling or sauce to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.

• Spinach stuffed shells: I sometimes stir in sautéed spinach for an earthy, nutritious twist that my family actually loves.
• Meat lovers’ version: Adding cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the filling makes it extra hearty and satisfying.
• Vegan option: Swap the cheeses with plant-based alternatives and use a flax egg to keep that binding texture.
• Spicy twist: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or sauce for a subtle heat that wakes up your taste buds.

How to Make Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Shells

Start by cooking the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions, but here’s the trick I discovered — cook them just 1-2 minutes less than stated. This way, they stay firm enough to hold the filling without falling apart in the oven. Once cooked, drain carefully and lay them flat on a baking sheet to cool slightly and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Cheesy Filling

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, Italian seasoning, a beaten egg, grated parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together gently until it’s smooth but still thick enough to spoon. I always give this mixture a taste — adding a pinch more salt or Italian seasoning if needed — because that filling flavor is what makes or breaks this recipe.

Step 3: Assemble the Shells

Spray your 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray, then spread about 1 ½ cups of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom. Now, grab each pasta shell and stuff it generously with the ricotta filling—you’ll find that using a small spoon or piping bag really helps here. Place the filled shells snugly in the baking dish, layering them side by side for even baking.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese Toppings

Once all the shells are filled and arranged, spoon the remaining marinara sauce over them. Next, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly on top, creating that perfect melty, golden crust. Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep all that moisture locked in during baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in your preheated 375°F oven for 20 minutes covered. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and just starting to brown. That smell alone will have you ready to dive in! Let it rest a few minutes before serving so the filling can set—it makes for the best texture.

How to Serve Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or basil on top just before serving—it brightens those rich flavors and adds a splash of color that makes the dish look as good as it tastes. Sometimes I also grate a little extra parmesan over each plate for that finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Serve this with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus also pair wonderfully, balancing the richness of the shells.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake the stuffed shells individually in small ramekins or a pretty ceramic dish to make each serving feel special. You can even sprinkle some toasted pine nuts on top for a little crunch or layer in different cheese blends to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover stuffed shells are fantastic the next day! I store them in an airtight container in the fridge and they usually last up to 3-4 days. Just cover well with foil or plastic wrap to keep them moist and flavorful.

Freezing

If I want to prep in advance, I assemble the shells in the baking dish but skip baking. I cover tightly with foil and freeze it. When ready, I bake covered for about 40-45 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until hot and bubbly. Freezing doesn’t affect the flavor one bit!

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This keeps the shells tender and the cheese melty without drying out. Quick tip: sprinkle a little extra mozzarella on top before reheating for that fresh-from-the-oven vibe.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I still remember the first time I made this Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe—it wowed everyone at the table and quickly became one of those dishes I count on for sharing love through food. It’s effortlessly comforting, wonderfully cheesy, and infinitely adaptable to your taste. I hope you give it a try soon and see why it’s such a beloved classic in our home. Trust me, once you master this, you’ll be making it again and again!

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