Stuffed Shells

Stuffed Shells

20 servings
Easy, cheesy Stuffed Shells that can be assembled and in the oven in a matter of minutes. This stuffed shell recipe is made with the option to use my homemade marinara or jarred sauce (if you're in a hurry!). Less than 20 minutes of prep-time! Be sure to check out the how-to video below the recipe!

Ingredients

  • 20 jumbo shells¹
  • 3 cups marinara sauce²
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

    divided

  • ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese

    plus additional for topping, if desired

  • 4 oz cream cheese

    softened

  • 1 large egg

    lightly beaten

  • 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley)

    finely chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried

  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano

    optional

  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1 large garlic clove

    pressed

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350F (175C)

  2. 2

    Prepare Shells according to package instructions, but boiling one minute less than instructed on package. Drain, allow to cool several minutes, then separate and place on a baking sheet while you prepare your filling. While the shells are boiling, I’ll usually start preparing my pan and making my filling:

  3. 3

    Lightly butter the sides and bottom of a 9x13 casserole dish. Layer with several spoonfuls of marinara sauce (just enough to lightly coat the bottom).

  4. 4

    Prepare filling by stirring together ricotta cheese, 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese (170g), ⅓ cup parmesan, cream cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, and ground pepper until well-combined.

  5. 5

    Portion into prepared shells by heaping spoonful.

  6. 6

    Evenly spoon remaining marinara sauce over stuffed shells. Top with remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese (56g) and a sprinkle of grated parmesan (if desired).

  7. 7

    Lightly spray one side of a piece of foil with cooking spray and loosely place foil (spray side down) over stuffed shells. Transfer to 350F (175C) oven and bake for 20 minutes, covered, then remove foil and continue to bake an additional 5-10 minutes.

  8. 8

    Enjoy!

Stuffed Shells

Stuffed Shells

45 min20 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving a comforting, cheesy Italian classic without spending hours in the kitchen? These easy Stuffed Shells deliver rich flavor and satisfying texture, perfect for a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd.

What sets this recipe apart is its incredible simplicity and speed. With less than 20 minutes of hands-on prep, you can have these hearty shells ready for the oven, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings. The flexibility to use your favorite homemade marinara or a quality jarred sauce also saves precious time without sacrificing taste.

Get ready for an indulgent experience with every forkful. Each jumbo shell is generously filled with a creamy, savory blend of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and a touch of cream cheese, brightened by fresh parsley and a hint of garlic. The result is a wonderfully cheesy, tender pasta dish bathed in a robust marinara sauce, offering that perfect balance of comfort and flavor. This recipe yields a generous 20 servings, making it fantastic for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week.

Customization & Variations

Tailor this Stuffed Shells recipe to your pantry and preferences. While fresh parsley and homemade marinara elevate the flavors, you can easily swap in dried parsley or your favorite jarred marinara sauce when time is short. For an extra layer of savory depth, don't skip the optional dried oregano. Feel free to add more grated parmesan cheese on top before baking for a golden, cheesy crust.

These hearty Stuffed Shells are a fantastic centerpiece for any family meal, holiday gathering, or casual get-together. Serve them alongside a simple green salad and some crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions