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Comforting Stuffed Shells

Featured in Heartwarming Main Course Recipes.

These stuffed shells are packed with creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and savory parmesan, mixed with fresh herbs, then baked in marinara for an irresistible Italian meal.
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Rose
Updated on Sat, 15 Mar 2025 16:21:03 GMT
Fork lifting a cheesy stuffed shell from a pan filled with marinara and topped with melty cheese and fresh herbs. Pin it
Fork lifting a cheesy stuffed shell from a pan filled with marinara and topped with melty cheese and fresh herbs. | lovelylifewithrose.com

The warm aroma of classic Italian stuffed shells brings back cherished memories of traditional family cooking. This timeless recipe combines perfectly cooked pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta and melted cheese, all embraced by a rich marinara sauce that creates pure comfort with every bite.

Classic Italian Comfort

This tried-and-true recipe showcases how simple ingredients transform into an exceptional dish. The pasta shells maintain their shape beautifully while baking, creating individual pockets of rich cheese filling that meld perfectly with the surrounding sauce.

Essential Ingredients

  • Jumbo Pasta Shells: The foundation of this classic dish
  • Whole Milk Ricotta: Creates the signature creamy filling
  • Fresh Mozzarella: Provides that perfect melted texture
  • Grated Parmesan: Adds depth and sharp flavor
  • Fresh Basil: Brings aromatic freshness
  • Classic Marinara: Ties everything together

Pasta Preparation

Shell Cooking
Cook pasta just until al dente to ensure shells hold their shape during baking
Extra Insurance
Cook additional shells to account for any that may split during boiling

Perfecting the Filling

Cheese Mixture
Combine cheeses and herbs until smooth and well-incorporated
Season Well
Adjust herbs and seasonings to achieve ideal flavor balance
A dish of stuffed pasta shells topped with cheese and herbs, baked in a rich tomato sauce. Pin it
A dish of stuffed pasta shells topped with cheese and herbs, baked in a rich tomato sauce. | lovelylifewithrose.com

Assembly Method

Sauce Foundation
Create an even layer of marinara in the baking dish
Shell Filling
Fill each shell with a generous portion of cheese mixture

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare these in advance?
Sure! Put everything together up to a day early, cover it, and refrigerate. Add the cheese topping right before baking.
→ Why should I cook extra shells?
Sometimes a few shells might break while cooking. Making a couple extras gives you enough unbroken ones for baking.
→ How long do the leftovers last?
They’ll be good for 3-4 days if kept covered in the fridge. You can warm them up in the microwave or in the oven with some foil.
→ Why bake the stuffed shells seam-side up?
Keeping the seams up stops all the cheesy filling from oozing out while baking. It keeps the goodness inside!
→ Can I swap fresh herbs for dried ones?
Totally! Both fresh and dried herbs work great. Adjust the amount to fit your taste.

Cheesy Pasta Bake

Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a rich blend of three cheeses, herbs, and garlic, then baked to perfection in a hearty marinara sauce.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Rose

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 6 Servings (18 shells)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1/2 tsp dried oregano.
02 Freshly cracked black pepper.
03 15 oz of creamy whole-milk ricotta cheese.
04 3 cups of marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought.
05 1 tbsp minced fresh basil leaves.
06 1 tsp garlic powder.
07 1/2 to 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (for topping).
08 1 egg.
09 Salt.
10 1 tbsp chopped parsley.
11 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese.
12 18 jumbo pasta shells (plus extras for accidents) - 8 oz.
13 3 pressed garlic cloves.
14 8 oz shredded mozzarella (some for the filling, the rest for layering).
15 1 tsp of dried oregano for sprinkling on top.

Instructions

Step 01

Turn your oven to 350°F and lightly oil up a 9x13 baking dish.

Step 02

In salted water, boil the pasta shells until just tender, cool them off so you can handle them.

Step 03

Combine ricotta, egg, minced herbs, garlic, Parmesan and most of the mozzarella. Mix until smooth.

Step 04

Pour marinara sauce into the dish. Stuff the cooked shells with the cheesy filling and place them with the opening upwards.

Step 05

Scatter the leftover mozzarella and oregano over the top. Bake for about 20-25 minutes.

Notes

  1. You can prepare this dish a day in advance.
  2. It stays good in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
  3. Boil extra shells in case a few rip while cooking.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot for boiling pasta.
  • A 9x13-size pan for baking.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses).
  • Includes eggs.
  • Pasta shells are made of wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 454
  • Total Fat: 21 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 39 g
  • Protein: 27 g