Easy Stuffed Shells Recipe

If you’re after a deliciously crowd-pleasing, Italian-inspired comfort dish that’s a breeze to put together, Easy Stuffed Shells are about to become your new go-to favorite. Imagine tender jumbo pasta shells, brimming with creamy ricotta or cottage cheese, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, all nestled in marinara sauce and bubbling under a blanket of melted mozzarella. With every bite, you’re treated to a balance of cheesy filling, savory tomato, and perfectly cooked pasta—making Easy Stuffed Shells a superstar for weeknights, dinner parties, and cozy family meals alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for Easy Stuffed Shells is refreshingly straightforward. Each item here plays an important role, from creating the creamy, herbed filling to lending that melty, golden finish that makes this dish so comforting and memorable.

• Jumbo pasta shells (12 ounces): Their large size is perfect for holding heaps of cheesy filling and keeping every bite satisfying.
• Kosher salt (1 tablespoon): Salts the pasta water, ensuring each shell is seasoned from the inside out.
• Whipped cottage cheese or ricotta cheese (30 ounces): This forms the creamy, tangy backbone of the filling; whipped cottage cheese is a lighter twist, while ricotta is classic.
• Parmesan cheese, grated (6 ounces): Adds salty, nutty depth and creates a luscious texture in the filling.
• Egg (1): Binds the cheese and herbs together so the filling is smooth and cohesive.
• Garlic clove, minced (1–2): Delivers a punch of aromatic flavor to the filling.
• Fresh parsley, minced (1 tablespoon): Provides bright, fresh color and flavor contrast.
• Fresh basil leaves, finely chopped (¾ cup): About 8-10 leaves; infuses the dish with classic Italian fragrance and freshness.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Seasons the filling for maximum flavor.
• Fresh ground pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and aromatic depth.
• Marinara sauce (28 ounces): Your favorite jarred or homemade sauce forms the savory base and keeps everything moist and flavorful.
• Mozzarella cheese, grated (8 ounces): Melts into a bubbling golden layer, adding richness and that irresistible cheese pull.

How to Make Easy Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray for easy cleanup. Spread half of your marinara sauce evenly across the bottom—this will keep the shells from sticking and infuse each bite with flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water (don’t forget that tablespoon of kosher salt!) to a rolling boil. Gently add the jumbo shells and cook them until they’re about three minutes shy of al dente, according to the package directions. They’ll finish cooking in the oven, so it’s key not to overboil. Drain and immediately rinse them with cool water so they’re easier to handle and stop cooking.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a big mixing bowl, combine the whipped cottage cheese or ricotta, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, parsley, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together until well mixed. The filling should be creamy, herby, and spreadable—resist eating it with a spoon at this stage!

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Scoop the cheese and herb mixture by spoonfuls and fill each cooked shell generously. Place each stuffed shell, open side up, in the marinara-lined baking dish. Snuggle them in closely so they’re nestled in sauce and won’t tip over.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Once all the shells are packed into the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese generously over everything to ensure delicious meltiness. Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is gorgeously golden. Serve Easy Stuffed Shells hot for maximum coziness.

How to Serve Easy Stuffed Shells

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Easy Stuffed Shells with extra fresh basil or parsley for an appealing pop of green and a bit of fresh flavor. A little dusting of additional grated Parmesan before serving adds an extra salty finish and a hint of elegance to each plate.

Side Dishes

Balance the cheesy richness of Easy Stuffed Shells with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette or a bowl of garlicky sautéed spinach. A few slices of warm, crusty Italian bread are perfect for soaking up every last drop of that savory marinara sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or potlucks, nestle Easy Stuffed Shells in individual ramekins for personalized servings. Alternatively, scatter a few roasted cherry tomatoes over the top before baking for extra color or serve with a drizzle of pesto for a vibrant and aromatic twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store any leftover Easy Stuffed Shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to four days, and the flavors continue to meld, making them even tastier the next day.

Freezing

Easy Stuffed Shells are a fantastic freezer-friendly option. Assemble the dish up to the point of baking, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed—adding a few extra minutes if needed until hot throughout.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Easy Stuffed Shells in a preheated oven, covered with foil so they don’t dry out. For single servings, the microwave works in a pinch—just add a splash of extra marinara if needed, and heat until piping hot.

FAQs

Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?

Absolutely! Both options work beautifully for this recipe. Ricotta is the more traditional choice, yielding a rich, creamy filling, while whipped cottage cheese offers a lighter twist if preferred.

How do I keep the shells from sticking to each other while stuffing?

After draining, rinse the shells with cool water and lay them spaced out on a tray or parchment paper. This will keep them from sticking and make stuffing much easier.

Can I add meat to Easy Stuffed Shells?

Yes! You can mix in cooked, crumbled Italian sausage, ground beef, or even finely chopped spinach into the cheese filling for extra heartiness and flavor variation.

What’s the best type of marinara sauce to use?

Choose a flavorful, good-quality marinara—either homemade or your favorite jarred brand. Feel free to add extra garlic, herbs, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Can I make Easy Stuffed Shells ahead for a party?

Definitely. Assemble the shells the day before, cover, and refrigerate. Just pop the dish in the oven right before your guests arrive, and you’ll have an effortless, crowd-pleasing meal ready in no time!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s both comforting and impressive, you can’t go wrong with Easy Stuffed Shells. They’re simple to make, endlessly customizable, and sure to put a smile on everyone’s face. Give them a try—you might just discover a new staple for your table!

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