Why You Should Make This Italian Stuffed Shells Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy, and hearty Italian dish, these Italian Stuffed Shells are a must-try! This classic recipe brings together tender pasta shells filled with a creamy, flavorful ricotta cheese mixture, all smothered in a rich marinara sauce and topped with gooey melted cheese. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and tradition, making it a staple for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in.
What makes this dish special is its versatility—you can easily customize the filling by adding spinach, ground beef, or even spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick. Plus, it’s a make-ahead-friendly meal, meaning you can assemble it in advance and bake it when you’re ready to serve, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Italian Stuffed Shells are a great way to bring restaurant-quality Italian flavors to your home without much effort. The combination of savory marinara, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella creates a dish that’s satisfying and incredibly comforting. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this meal is guaranteed to impress.
Pair it with garlic bread and a fresh green salad, and you’ve got an Italian feast that’s both easy to make and absolutely delicious. If you love cheesy baked pasta dishes like lasagna or manicotti, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a timeless Italian classic!
Ingredients
For the Shells:
• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
For the Ricotta Filling:
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Sauce:
• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
For Topping:
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add jumbo shells and cook 2 minutes less than package instructions (they will finish cooking in the oven).
• Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Ricotta Filling:
• In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley.
• Mix well until smooth.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
• In a small saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat.
• Stir in red pepper flakes, basil, and oregano. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Stuffed Shells:
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Spread 1 cup of sauce evenly on the bottom of a baking dish.
• Fill each shell with a heaping tablespoon of ricotta filling and place them in the dish.
• Pour the remaining sauce over the shells.
5. Bake the Shells:
• Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
• Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve:
• Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete Italian meal! 🍝✨