If you’ve ever been in the mood for a cozy, hearty meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, look no further than this stuffed shells recipe. With tender pasta shells filled with a creamy, flavorful mixture, baked to perfection in marinara sauce, it’s a comforting dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a hearty dinner, this recipe brings that warm, homey feeling right to your table. Plus, it’s so versatile and forgiving—perfect for beginners!
Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Shells Recipe
This stuffed shells recipe offers something for everyone. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of ricotta cheese, spinach, and a rich tomato sauce creates a mouthwatering bite every time.
- Simple and Easy: With minimal prep time and clear instructions, you’ll have a beautiful dish without any hassle.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the filling with your favorite ingredients like ground meat or mushrooms.
- Budget-Friendly: Using affordable ingredients, you can create a meal that feels indulgent without breaking the bank.
History or Fun Facts About Stuffed Shells
Stuffed shells are a classic Italian-American comfort food. Here are some fun facts:
- Origins: While stuffed pasta dishes are common in Italy, stuffed shells became popular in the United States among Italian immigrants.
- Traditional Filling: Traditionally, stuffed shells are filled with a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, sometimes with spinach or ground meat.
- Perfect for Groups: The dish was often made in large quantities for gatherings or family meals, making it ideal for busy households.
Ingredients
For the stuffed shells recipe, you’ll need:
- 1 box large pasta shells (about 20 shells)
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cooked spinach (squeezed dry)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (or your favorite tomato sauce)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
How to Make Stuffed Shells
Making stuffed shells is as easy as following these steps:
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, cooked spinach, garlic powder, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
- Stuff the Shells: Using a spoon, fill each pasta shell with the cheese and spinach mixture, packing it in gently.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the stuffed shells on top in a single layer. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes to let the top get golden and bubbly.
Stuffed Shells Tips and Twists
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shells:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure the shells are al dente. They’ll cook further in the oven.
- Season the Sauce: Add extra spices or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a bolder flavor.
- Use Fresh Spinach: If you have fresh spinach, sauté it lightly to keep the filling bright and flavorful.
- Try Different Cheeses: Mix in some ricotta with a touch of goat cheese for a creamier texture.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the dish the night before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
Variations:
- Meat Lover’s Stuffed Shells: Add ground beef or turkey to the filling for a meaty twist.
- Vegetarian Stuffed Shells: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the spinach mixture for extra veggies.
- Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Shells: Add artichoke hearts for a gourmet touch.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings.
Make-Ahead:
- Stuffed shells can be assembled a day ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to bake. This makes for a great dinner prep option!
Serving Suggestions for Stuffed Shells
Pair your stuffed shells with these delicious sides:
- Garlic Bread: A crispy, buttery loaf is perfect for sopping up that extra marinara sauce.
- Side Salad: A refreshing green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the stuffed shells.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try serving it alongside roasted asparagus, broccoli, or carrots for extra flavor.
FAQ About Stuffed Shells
- Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes, you can use manicotti or even regular pasta like penne if you can’t find large shells. - Can I freeze stuffed shells?
Absolutely! Just assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra time. - Can I make stuffed shells without cheese?
Yes, try using a tofu-based filling or make a vegetable-packed version with a vegan cheese substitute. - How do I make stuffed shells spicy?
Add red pepper flakes or mix in some spicy Italian sausage to the filling for extra heat. - Can I skip the egg in the filling?
Yes, you can leave out the egg or replace it with a flaxseed egg for a vegan option.
Enjoy Your Stuffed Shells!
Now that you have a foolproof stuffed shells recipe, it’s time to dig in! Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy every bite of this cheesy, hearty meal, and don’t forget to experiment with different fillings to make it your own!
Easy Stuffed Shells Recipe for Beginners – Delicious & Simple
This easy stuffed shells recipe is perfect for beginners! Packed with cheesy goodness and baked in marinara sauce, it’s a satisfying meal everyone will love. Try it today for a simple and delicious dinner.
Servings 4 servings
Calories 380kcal
Ingredients
- 1 box large pasta shells about 20 shells
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cooked spinach squeezed dry
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, spinach, garlic powder, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the cheese and spinach mixture.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place stuffed shells in the dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce. You can also substitute spinach with sautéed mushrooms for a different twist on this stuffed shells recipe.
Nutrition: (Values per serving)
Calories: 380
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 600mg
Explore More Recipes
Love this dish? Try these next:
- Chicken Alfredo Lasagna – Another cheesy pasta favorite.
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
- Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti – A hands-off twist on classic pasta.
Now, go stuff those shells and savor every bite! 🍝🧀