Cheesy stuffed shells are the ultimate comfort food, a warm hug on a plate. These incredibly delicious pasta pockets, overflowing with creamy ricotta and blanketed in tangy tomato sauce, bring back memories of cozy Sunday dinners with my family. There’s just something so satisfying about the combination of textures and flavors that makes cheesy stuffed shells an instant crowd pleaser. I’m so excited to share this recipe with you, a delicious and easy way to bring a little bit of that comfort into your own home. Get ready for a dish that’s both nostalgic and incredibly satisfying, cheesy stuffed shells cooked the absolute best way.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This cheesy stuffed shells Recipe
Cheesy Stuffed Shells: The BEST Easy Baked Recipe!
A classic comfort food, these cheesy stuffed shells are filled with a creamy ricotta mixture and covered in a savory marinara sauce. Easy to make and perfect for family dinners!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition:
Protein: 20g
Carbs: 40g
Fat: 25g
Ingredients
- 1 (12 ounce) box jumbo pasta shells\n15 ounces ricotta cheese\n1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese\n1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley\n1 large egg, lightly beaten\n1 teaspoon garlic powder\n1/2 teaspoon salt\n1/4 teaspoon black pepper\n1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce\n1/4 cup water\n1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.\nCook the jumbo shells according to package directions, but cook them for 1 or 2 minutes less than the recommended time. They should still be firm to the touch. Drain well and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.\nIn a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.\nSpread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.\nCarefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta cheese mixture.\nArrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish, stuffed side up. Try not to overlap them too much.\nPour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure they are well covered. Add 1/4 cup of water to the jar and swirl it around to get every last bit of sauce, then pour that over the shells as well.\nSprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the shells.\nCover the baking dish with 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 and the sauce is heated through.\nLet the shells rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of pesto to the ricotta filling.\nAdd a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta filling for a little heat.\nFresh mozzarella would be a great addition to add on top of the marinara.\nMarinara can be substituted with a jar of tomato sauce, pesto or a homemade bolognese sauce.
This cheesy stuffed shells recipe is a winner for so many reasons! First and foremost, it’s incredibly comforting. The rich filling, the tender pasta, and the flavorful sauce create a dish that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make. The recipe is straightforward, even for beginner cooks, and the results are guaranteed to impress. And let’s not forget the flavor! The combination of ricotta cheese, parmesan, herbs, and tomato sauce is a classic for a reason, creating a savory and satisfying meal. Sharing my cheesy stuffed shells gives a warm place for families and friends to gather.
Ingredients Needed for This cheesy stuffed shells Recipe
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these mouthwatering cheesy stuffed shells.
For the Shells:- 1 (12 ounce) box jumbo pasta shells
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
How to Make This cheesy stuffed shells Recipe
Time to roll up those sleeves and create some deliciousness! Follow these simple steps for perfectly baked stuffed shells.
- 1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- 2. Cook the jumbo shells according to package directions, but cook them for 1 or 2 minutes less than the recommended time. They should still be firm to the touch. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Drain well and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
- 3. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
- 4. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will prevent the shells from sticking and add extra flavor.
- 5. Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta cheese mixture. Aim to fill them generously!
- 6. Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish, stuffed side up. Try not to overlap them too much. Space them evenly.
- 7. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure they are well covered. Add 1/4 cup of water to the jar and swirl it around to get every last bit of sauce, then pour that over the shells as well.
- 8. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the shells.
- 9. Cover the baking dish with 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 and the sauce is heated through.
- 10. Let the cheesy stuffed shells rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly and make them easier to serve.
How to Serve This cheesy stuffed shells Recipe
Serve these cheesy stuffed shells hot, right out of the oven! They are fantastic on their own or paired with a simple green salad and some crusty garlic bread. Sprinkle with extra fresh parsley or basil for a pop of freshness and color. A side of roasted vegetables would also be a wonderful addition. For a truly decadent meal, try serving them with a glass of your favorite red wine.
How to Store This cheesy stuffed shells Recipe
Leftover cheesy stuffed shells can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. You can also freeze them for longer storage. To freeze, arrange the baked shells in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Tips to Make This cheesy stuffed shells Recipe
- Don’t overcook the pasta! Slightly undercooking the pasta shells ensures they will hold their shape and not become mushy.
- Use high quality ricotta cheese: It makes a big difference in the flavor of the filling.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture for a little heat.
- For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of pesto to the ricotta filling.
- Avoid adding too much sauce.
Helpful Notes for This cheesy stuffed shells Recipe
If you can’t find jumbo pasta shells, you can use manicotti tubes instead. You will just need to cut them into smaller pieces to make them easier to fill. Fresh mozzarella would be a great addition to add on top of the marinara. Marinara can be substituted with a jar of tomato sauce, pesto or a homemade bolognese sauce. Looking for an amazing pesto recipe to swap for the marinara sauce? Check out this easy recipe!
Variation of This cheesy stuffed shells Recipe
For a vegetarian version, add some chopped spinach or mushrooms to the ricotta filling. You could also use a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone. To add more texture, stir some toasted breadcrumbs into the ricotta mixture. You can also experiment with different sauces, such as a creamy Alfredo or a spicy arrabbiata. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using part skim ricotta cheese and a reduced sodium marinara sauce. Consider adding different herbs to give it a different twist!
FAQs About This cheesy stuffed shells Recipe
What kind of cheese is best for cheesy stuffed shells?
Ricotta cheese is the traditional and most popular choice for cheesy stuffed shells. Its creamy texture and mild flavor pair perfectly with pasta and tomato sauce. You can also add parmesan or mozzarella for extra flavor and cheesiness.
Can I freeze cheesy stuffed shells?
Yes, cheesy stuffed shells freeze very well. Assemble the shells according to the recipe, but do not bake. Place them in a freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Bake from frozen, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
What sauce goes best with cheesy stuffed shells?
A classic marinara or tomato sauce complements cheesy stuffed shells perfectly. You can either use a store-bought sauce or make your own from scratch. For a richer flavor, consider using a meat sauce or adding vegetables like onions, garlic, and bell peppers.
How do you keep stuffed shells from drying out?
To prevent stuffed shells from drying out during baking, ensure there is enough sauce covering them. You can also cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the first half of the baking time, removing it during the last half to allow the cheese to brown.
Conclusion
I truly believe this recipe for cheesy stuffed shells is a showstopper. The combination of the creamy filling, tender shells, and flavorful sauce is simply irresistible. I’m confident that this dish will become a new family favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal. I can’t wait to hear what you think of these cheesy stuffed shells! Please leave a comment below with your feedback.