... Print

Classic Stuffed Shells

Close-up of two cheesy stuffed shells topped with marinara sauce on a blue plate.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A comforting and cheesy baked pasta dish featuring large pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta mixture and baked in marinara sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (12 oz) jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  4. Spread about 1/2 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  5. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
  6. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
  7. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  8. Cover the baking dish with foil.
  9. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.
  10. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a heartier dish, you can add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the ricotta mixture.
  • If you prefer a vegetarian option, stir in 1 cup of cooked, chopped spinach into the ricotta filling.
  • This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/stuffed-shells-recipe/