Description
Classic stuffed shells made with jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta and cheese mixture, topped with rich marinara sauce and baked until bubbly and golden. A comforting Italian-American main dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta Shells
- 20–25 jumbo pasta shells
Cheese Filling
- 1 container ricotta cheese (15 oz)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1 jar marinara sauce (about 24 oz)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain carefully and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, one egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Stuff the Shells: Using a spoon, fill each cooled pasta shell generously with the cheese mixture. Place the stuffed shells open side up in the prepared baking dish, fitting them snugly but not overcrowded.
- Add Sauce: Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the arranged stuffed shells, covering them completely.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese filling is hot and bubbly. For a golden top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking and optionally sprinkle extra mozzarella.
Notes
- Add fresh or frozen spinach (cooked and drained) to the cheese filling for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese for a lighter texture.
- Ensure shells are not overcooked during boiling to prevent tearing while stuffing.
- Leftover stuffed shells can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated covered in the oven.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
