What You’ll Love About This Recipe
These homemade stuffed shells are fun to make and even more delicious to eat, perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests. You’ll love how creamy ricotta filling pairs perfectly with marinara sauce and melted cheese. Plus, it’s super customizable—you can add veggies, meat, or extra spices to make it your own. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to put together. And don’t worry about leftovers—these shells taste even better the next day!
Recipe
Intro:
Homemade stuffed shells are a comforting Italian classic, featuring tender pasta shells filled with a rich, cheesy mixture and baked in marinara sauce. This dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 (12 oz) box jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Spread 1 cup marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Fill each cooked shell with the cheese mixture and arrange them in the baking dish.
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes:
- For extra flavor, add cooked spinach or ground meat to the cheese filling.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
Time:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 35 minutes
Cuisine: Italian
Serving: 6-8 servings
Nutrition
Homemade stuffed shells are a comforting and hearty dish, but it’s important to be aware of their nutritional content. Here’s a breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 720mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Protein | 20g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade stuffed shells with a fresh side salad—it adds a cool, crunchy contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta. Garlic bread is another favorite of mine, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. Both options are simple to prepare and make the meal feel complete and satisfying.
Side Salad Pairing
Since stuffed shells are rich and hearty, you’ll want something light and fresh to balance them out—that’s where a simple side salad comes in. I love tossing together crisp greens like romaine or spinach with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of red onion. A tangy vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of Dijon mustard adds just the right zing without overpowering the dish. Sometimes, I’ll throw in some shredded carrots or croutons for extra crunch. It’s quick to make and complements the creamy, cheesy flavors of the shells perfectly.
Garlic Bread Option
For a comforting side that’s as satisfying as the stuffed shells themselves, you can’t go wrong with garlic bread. I love how the crispy edges and buttery, garlicky flavor complement the creamy filling in the shells. Sometimes, I’ll make it fresh using a baguette, softened butter, minced garlic, and parsley, but store-bought works great too if I’m in a hurry. Toasting it just before serving guarantees it’s warm and crunchy. It’s perfect for soaking up any extra sauce on your plate. Honestly, it’s such a simple addition, but it always makes the meal feel extra special.
