Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s equal parts hearty, cheesy, and totally satisfying, Classic Stuffed Shells are a must-try. Perfectly al dente pasta shells get filled with a dreamy ricotta-mozzarella mixture, smothered with savory marinara, and baked until bubbly and golden. This is the kind of recipe you pull out when you want to impress a table of family or friends, or when you crave a taste of old-school Italian-American goodness at home. Get ready to fall in love with every cheesy, saucy bite of Classic Stuffed Shells!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t you just love recipes where each ingredient truly matters? For Classic Stuffed Shells, it’s about keeping things simple but choosing ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one counts:
- Jumbo pasta shells: Large enough to fill generously and sturdy enough to bake without falling apart.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy, mild, and rich, it gives that signature luscious filling.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (divided use): Melts beautifully on top and adds that irresistible stretch inside.
- Italian seasoning: Blends herbs like oregano and basil for classic Italian flavor in every bite.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the savory notes in the filling.
- Egg: Binds the cheeses together, helping the filling hold up nicely inside each shell.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Nutty and salty, it adds depth and sharpness to the filling.
- Marinara sauce (divided use): Adds brightness, acidity, and a tangy tomato kick to the whole dish.
- Parsley (chopped): Fresh and vibrant, it’s a little pop of color and flavor for the finishing touch.
- Cooking spray: Ensures nothing sticks to your pan, making serving and cleanup a total breeze.
How to Make Classic Stuffed Shells
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Set yourself up for success by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a 9″x13″ baking dish with cooking spray—this not only keeps your Classic Stuffed Shells from sticking but also makes cleaning up later so much easier.
Step 2: Create a Saucy Base
Spread 1 1/2 cups of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This creates a flavorful bed that keeps the shells moist as they bake and makes sure every bite is saucy and delicious.
Step 3: Mix the Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella, Italian seasoning, the egg, a bit of salt and pepper, and the grated parmesan. Give it all a good stir until you have a smooth, rich filling—this is where all that creamy, cheesy magic begins for your Classic Stuffed Shells.
Step 4: Stuff the Shells
Take each cooked pasta shell and fill it with a generous spoonful of your cheese mixture, then nestle the stuffed shells into your prepared sauce-lined dish. This part is surprisingly therapeutic and makes you feel like a kitchen artist!
Step 5: Top with Marinara and More Cheese
Pour the remaining marinara sauce right over the filled shells, then sprinkle the other 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella on top. This ensures every inch is coated in goodness and will bubble up into a gorgeous, cheesy crust.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover the pan with foil to lock in moisture and bake for 20 minutes. Then, uncover and bake another 10 minutes or so, just until the cheese is melty and starting to brown—exactly how we love it.
Step 7: Finish with Fresh Parsley & Serve
Once out of the oven, give your Classic Stuffed Shells a bright, fresh finish with a shower of chopped parsley. It’s simple, but that pop of green makes everything look and taste even better.
How to Serve Classic Stuffed Shells
Garnishes
Sprinkle your finished dish with extra parmesan, a handful of fresh basil, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little zip. Fresh parsley never fails to liven up the look and a light drizzle of olive oil just before serving can make your Classic Stuffed Shells shine.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon and olive oil. If you want a heartier meal, steamed or roasted vegetables on the side really round things out.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the shells family-style straight from the baking dish for a cozy Italian vibe. For a dinner party, plate three shells per guest in shallow bowls, spoon over extra marinara, and finish with a parsley sprig. Classic Stuffed Shells also look adorable nestled together in individual ramekins for a personal touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftover Classic Stuffed Shells (lucky you!), let them cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for up to 4 days, and honestly, the flavors get even better with a little time to meld.
Freezing
Classic Stuffed Shells freeze exceptionally well. Assemble the dish right up to the baking step, then wrap tightly with foil and freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy, just bake straight from the freezer (add about 20 extra minutes to the baking time) or thaw overnight and bake as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the dish and warm in a 350-degree F oven until hot and bubbly—usually about 20 minutes. For individual portions, a microwave works perfectly (cover with a damp paper towel to keep things moist). The cheese will melt again and everything tastes like it’s just come out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta in Classic Stuffed Shells?
Yes, you can swap in cottage cheese for ricotta if you prefer a lighter filling. Cottage cheese brings extra creaminess, though ricotta is more traditional and yields a richer texture in Classic Stuffed Shells.
How do I keep the pasta shells from tearing during stuffing?
Cook the shells just until al dente and handle them gently with a spoon. If a few shells tear, don’t worry—tuck them into the dish and cover with extra sauce. The Classic Stuffed Shells will still turn out deliciously.
Can I make Classic Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Just bake when you’re ready to serve—great for busy nights or dinner parties.
What protein can I add to the cheese filling?
Feel free to stir in cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, spinach, or even finely chopped cooked chicken to the cheese filling for a meaty or veggie twist on Classic Stuffed Shells.
Is there a gluten-free option for Classic Stuffed Shells?
Yes! Look for gluten-free jumbo pasta shells at specialty stores or online. Prepare them as you would regular shells, and the rest of the Classic Stuffed Shells recipe can remain the same.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Classic Stuffed Shells enough! Whether you’re gathering loved ones around the table or just want a cozy night in, this recipe brings so much comfort and joy. Give it a shot, share with friends, and I promise, you’ll want to make it again and again. Enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!
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Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Stuffed Shells is a comforting Italian-American dish that features jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta and mozzarella mixture, baked in marinara sauce until bubbly and golden brown.
Ingredients
Jumbo Pasta Shells:
24 shells (cooked according to package directions)
Ricotta Cheese Mixture:
15 ounces ricotta cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 egg
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Marinara Sauce:
3 cups (divided)
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a 9″x13″ baking pan with cooking spray.
- Layer Marinara: Spread 1 1/2 cups of marinara sauce in the bottom of the pan.
- Prepare Filling: Combine ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, egg, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese in a bowl.
- Fill Shells: Fill each shell with the ricotta mixture and place in the baking dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spoon remaining marinara sauce over the shells and top with the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and browned.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can customize the filling by adding cooked ground meat or spinach.
- Make ahead tip: Prepare the stuffed shells up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Classic Stuffed Shells, Stuffed Shells Recipe, Italian Stuffed Shells
