Description

These Classic Stuffed Shells are a comforting Italian dish made with jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta mixture, topped with marinara sauce, and baked to perfection. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Shells:

12 oz (about 24) jumbo pasta shells

For the Filling:

15 oz ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce & Topping:

3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
Stuff the Shells: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Fill each shell with about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture and arrange them in the dish.
Add Sauce & Cheese: Pour the remaining 2 cups of marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Add Italian seasoning, if using.
Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Serve: Let the stuffed shells cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan, if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

Make Ahead: Assemble the shells up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready!
Freezing Instructions: Freeze unbaked stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes.
Variations: Add spinach, cooked sausage, or ground beef to the ricotta filling for extra flavor.