Easy Stuffed Shells

If you’re looking for a comforting, delicious dish that’s easy to whip up for busy weeknights or special occasions, Easy Stuffed Shells is the perfect choice. These cheesy, flavorful pasta shells are stuffed with rich ricotta and gooey mozzarella, all enveloped in a warm marinara sauce. Not only is this dish simple to prepare, but it’s also highly customizable to suit everyone’s tastes.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 450
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 900mg

Why Make Easy Stuffed Shells

Easy Stuffed Shells is an excellent choice for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals. Not only is it delicious, but it also offers a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fats that can please even the pickiest eaters. You can easily switch up the ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it practical for any pantry. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients, especially if you add vegetables to the filling.

How to Make Easy Stuffed Shells Step by Step

Ingredients

• Jumbo pasta shells
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Marinara sauce
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper
• Olive oil

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each shell with the cheese mixture and place them in a baking dish.
5. Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with additional mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Drizzle with olive oil.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Let cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve Easy Stuffed Shells

Easy Stuffed Shells pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread. For a more filling meal, consider adding a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing. You may also serve it with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

How to Store Easy Stuffed Shells

To store leftover Easy Stuffed Shells, simply let them cool completely and then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake it directly from the freezer, allowing an extra 10-15 minutes in the oven.

Expert Tips for Cooking Easy Stuffed Shells

• Use a large pot to boil your pasta shells to prevent them from sticking together.
• Experiment with different cheeses such as ricotta, cottage cheese, or cream cheese for varied textures.
• Incorporate spinach or cooked sausage into the cheese filling for added flavor and nutrition.
• Make ahead of time by prepping the dish a day before and storing it in the fridge.
• Drizzle your sauce on top right before serving for a fresh, vibrant touch.

Delicious Variations of Easy Stuffed Shells

Spicy Stuffed Shells: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the cheese filling for a kick.
Herbed Stuffed Shells: Mix in fresh herbs like basil or parsley into the ricotta for an aromatic boost.
Vegetarian Stuffed Shells: Substitute the meat with a variety of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian option.

Conclusion

Easy Stuffed Shells is a delightful dish that is filling, flavorful, and remarkably easy to prepare. This recipe will surely become a family favorite, offering comfort in every bite while allowing for personal twists. Try it out today and enjoy a wholesome meal that everyone will love!

Easy Stuffed Shells

Comforting and flavorful pasta shells stuffed with ricotta and mozzarella, enveloped in marinara sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Sauce

• 12 pieces Jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup Marinara sauce Additional sauce may be served on the side.

Cheese Mixture

• 15 ounces Ricotta cheese
• 1 cup Mozzarella cheese Plus extra for sprinkling on top.
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon Pepper Adjust to taste.

Other

• 1 tablespoon Olive oil

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Stuffing and Baking

1. Stuff each shell with the cheese mixture and place them in a baking dish.
2. Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with additional mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Drizzle with olive oil.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Pairs well with a fresh side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days, or freeze for longer storage. Add vegetables or different cheeses for variations.