There's something so comforting about a bubbling dish of Stuffed Shells fresh out of the oven. The sight of golden, melted cheese and rich tomato sauce clinging to every bite instantly transports me back to family gatherings around the dinner table.

I remember the first time I made this recipe—it was a complete accident! I had planned to make lasagna but realized I only had jumbo pasta shells on hand. A quick pivot turned into one of the most beloved meals in our household. Now, it’s my go-to when I need a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner.

Why You'll Love This Stuffed Shells Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with this Stuffed Shells recipe—it's the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort!

First, it's easy to prepare, even for beginners. While it looks fancy, the process is straightforward: cook the pasta, mix the filling, stuff the shells, and bake until golden perfection.

This recipe is also budget-friendly, using simple pantry staples like pasta, ricotta, and tomato sauce. You can feed a family of four for under $15, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

It’s highly customizable, meaning you can swap ingredients to suit your dietary preferences. Whether you add spinach, ground beef, or mushrooms, this dish is endlessly adaptable.

Plus, it makes great leftovers! The flavors deepen overnight, making it just as delicious (if not better) the next day. Perfect for meal prepping or a make-ahead meal!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Stuffed Shells lies in its balance of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish extra special.

Jumbo pasta shells are the foundation of this recipe. Look for sturdy, high-quality shells that hold their shape after boiling. Be sure to cook them al dente since they’ll continue softening in the oven.

Ricotta cheese creates the creamy, indulgent filling. Full-fat ricotta provides the best texture, but part-skim works well too. For an extra depth of flavor, mix in a little mascarpone or cream cheese.

Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese add that irresistible gooey, melty texture. Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melt and a high-quality Parmesan for a nutty, savory kick.

Marinara sauce brings everything together with its rich tomato base. Whether you use a homemade sauce or a good-quality store-bought version, choose one with minimal added sugar and fresh, simple ingredients.

A dash of Italian seasoning and fresh basil enhances the overall flavor profile. Don’t skip the fresh basil—it makes a world of difference in bringing out the freshness of the dish.

How To Make This Stuffed Shells Recipe

Making Stuffed Shells is easier than you think! Let’s break it down step by step.

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the jumbo shells until they are just al dente. Drain and rinse them with cool water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.

While the pasta cooks, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until smooth and well incorporated.

Next, spread a generous layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. This prevents the shells from sticking and ensures every bite is coated in rich tomato goodness.

Using a spoon (or a piping bag for extra ease), carefully stuff each shell with the ricotta mixture and place them seam-side up in the baking dish. Nestle them closely together so they stay upright while baking.

Cover the shells with more marinara sauce, followed by an extra sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Storage Options

Got leftovers? Stuffed Shells store beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep.

For refrigeration, place cooled shells in an airtight container and store them for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

To freeze, arrange unbaked stuffed shells in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

You can also freeze individual portions for easy grab-and-reheat meals. Just pop them in the microwave and enjoy a homemade Italian dinner in minutes!

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Stuffed Shells is how adaptable they are. Here are a few ways to switch things up!

For a meaty twist, mix in cooked Italian sausage or ground beef with the ricotta filling. This adds heartiness and extra flavor to every bite.

If you love veggies, try adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the filling. It’s a great way to sneak in some greens while keeping the dish delicious.

Looking for a lighter version? Swap out ricotta for cottage cheese and use part-skim mozzarella. You’ll still get the creamy texture with fewer calories.

For a spicy kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce or mix them into the filling. It adds just the right amount of heat without overpowering the dish.

No jumbo shells on hand? Make stuffed manicotti instead! The same filling works perfectly inside tube-shaped pasta, giving you the same flavors in a slightly different format.

No matter how you customize it, this Stuffed Shells recipe is bound to be a hit. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again!