If you’re looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or even meal prep, Baked Stuffed Shells are the answer. This Italian-inspired dish is loaded with delicious cheeses, savory marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta mixture. Want to make the ultimate stuffed shells recipe that everyone will rave about? Keep reading for the complete recipe, substitutions, cooking tips, and expert advice on how to make your stuffed shells stand out.

What Are Baked Stuffed Shells?
Baked stuffed shells are large pasta shells filled with a rich ricotta cheese mixture, often including mozzarella, parmesan, and various herbs, all baked in a savory tomato or marinara sauce. This dish is similar to lasagna or manicotti but uses pasta shells that are easy to stuff and serve individually. The result is a cheesy, gooey, and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients List for Baked Stuffed Shells
To create the perfect baked stuffed shells, you'll need the following ingredients:
- Jumbo pasta shells (about 20-25 shells)
- Ricotta cheese (2 cups)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups, divided)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup)
- Eggs (2 large, beaten)
- Fresh basil (2 tablespoons, chopped)
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped)
- Minced garlic (2 cloves)
- Marinara sauce (4 cups)
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
This list covers the essentials for a classic baked stuffed shells recipe, offering a balance of flavor, texture, and authenticity. Keep reading for tips on how to vary the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Substitutions and Variations
There are plenty of ways to modify the classic baked stuffed shells recipe to fit different tastes or dietary restrictions:
- Cheese Variations: If you want to try a different cheese blend, swap out the mozzarella with provolone, or try adding asiago for a sharper flavor. For a creamier filling, mix in some mascarpone with the ricotta.
- Vegetarian Option: Make the dish more veggie-forward by adding sautéed spinach, kale, or mushrooms to the filling. You can also stir in roasted butternut squash or zucchini for a touch of sweetness and texture.
- Meat Lovers’ Version: If you prefer a meatier dish, consider adding ground beef, Italian sausage, or ground turkey to the sauce or even directly into the ricotta filling.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta shells. These are widely available at most grocery stores and will work just as well for this recipe.
- Low Carb/Keto: Substitute the pasta shells with zucchini slices, thin eggplant slices, or even large bell peppers, which can be stuffed in the same manner and baked until tender.
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and customize the recipe to suit your dietary preferences or the ingredients you have on hand.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta Shells
Start by boiling the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions. You want them to be al dente (slightly firm), as they will continue to cook in the oven later. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain and rinse the shells with cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Make the Ricotta Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, the Parmesan cheese, beaten eggs, chopped basil, parsley, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir the ingredients together until the filling is smooth and well-combined.
3. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's hot and ready when you’re finished assembling the shells.
4. Assemble the Stuffed Shells
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a large baking dish. Using a spoon (or a piping bag for extra precision), stuff each pasta shell with the ricotta mixture. Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish, open side up, in neat rows.
5. Add Sauce and Cheese
Once all the shells are arranged, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, making sure each shell is covered in sauce. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the dish.
6. Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
How to Cook Baked Stuffed Shells: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Boil Pasta Shells: Follow the instructions on the package for al dente pasta shells. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Ricotta Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, herbs, and seasoning.
- Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) while assembling the shells.
- Assemble the Shells: Stuff each shell with the cheese mixture and place in a baking dish.
- Top with Marinara Sauce: Pour marinara sauce generously over the stuffed shells.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for 10-15 more minutes until golden and bubbly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a seemingly simple dish like baked stuffed shells can go wrong if you're not careful. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure a perfect meal every time:
- Overcooking the Pasta Shells: Boil the pasta just until al dente. If the shells are too soft, they may fall apart when stuffed or turn mushy after baking.
- Not Seasoning the Ricotta Filling: Ricotta is mild in flavor, so it’s crucial to season the filling well with herbs, salt, and pepper. Don’t forget to taste it before stuffing the shells.
- Using Too Little Sauce: Skimping on the marinara sauce can lead to dry shells. Make sure they’re fully covered in sauce before baking to ensure they stay moist and flavorful.
- Not Covering the Dish: Always bake the shells covered for the first part of the cooking process to prevent them from drying out.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Baked Stuffed Shells are as beautiful as they are delicious, especially when you take the time to present them well. Here are a few ideas for serving and presentation:
How to Serve Baked Stuffed Shells
- Family-Style: Serve the dish straight from the oven in the baking dish, allowing guests to scoop out their own servings.
- Individual Portions: Plate 3-4 shells per person on individual plates, topped with a bit of extra sauce and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley.
- With Sides: Baked stuffed shells pair beautifully with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts.
Presentation Ideas for Baked Stuffed Shells
- Fresh Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds color and a fresh flavor right before serving.
- Parmesan Shavings: Garnish with a few curls of Parmesan cheese to add a touch of elegance to your dish.
- Serve in an Oven-to-Table Dish: Use a beautiful ceramic or glass baking dish that doubles as a serving dish for a stylish, rustic presentation.
Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe Tips
- Prep Ahead: Stuffed shells are a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble the dish and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bring it to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
- Freeze for Later: Baked stuffed shells also freeze beautifully. Freeze individual portions or the entire dish, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 60-75 minutes.
- Don’t Skimp on Cheese: Cheese is the star of this dish, so use high-quality ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for the best flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make baked stuffed shells ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance and refrigerate them until you're ready to bake. You can also freeze them for later use.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover baked stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Q: Can I add meat to the ricotta filling?
A: Absolutely! You can add cooked ground beef, sausage, or even shredded chicken to the ricotta mixture for a heartier dish.
Q: How do I keep the shells from sticking together?
A: To prevent the shells from sticking after boiling, rinse them in cold water and toss them with a little olive oil.
Conclusion
Baked stuffed shells are the ultimate comfort food, offering a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and Italian flair. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a comforting dinner at home, this dish is sure to impress. With easy-to-find ingredients, simple preparation, and customizable options, you can make this dish truly your own. Ready to give it a try? Grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a warm, cheesy meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!
PrintBaked Stuffed Shells Recipe
Baked stuffed shells recipe with ricotta, mozzarella, spinach, and marinara sauce. Easy to make, this classic Italian dish is perfect for family dinners. A comforting and satisfying pasta bake with rich flavors.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Jumbo pasta shells
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Spinach (fresh or frozen)
- Egg
- Garlic
- Marinara sauce
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook jumbo shells until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each shell with the cheese-spinach mixture.
- Spread marinara sauce in a baking dish and arrange stuffed shells on top.
- Top with more sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, uncover for the last 10 minutes for browning.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- You can prepare the stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Substitute spinach with kale or omit it for a simpler version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
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