Name: Easy Stuffed Shells Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells; 1 tablespoon kosher salt; 30 ounces whipped cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese); 6 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 egg; 1-2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced; ¾ cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper; 28 ounces marinara sauce; 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated

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Easy Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Imagine tender jumbo pasta shells, generously stuffed with a creamy, herb-flecked cheese mixture, nestled in a bed of vibrant marinara and blanketed with gooey mozzarella. This dish is a family favorite in my kitchen for its irresistible flavor, simplicity, and that glorious golden finish. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or looking for a satisfying make-ahead meal, Easy Stuffed Shells deliver on every front!

Easy Stuffed Shells Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready for a short but incredibly important grocery list. Each ingredient in these Easy Stuffed Shells is essential, contributing its own magic—some for creaminess, others for zing, and a handful for that signature cheesy pull.

Jumbo pasta shells (12 ounces): The star of the show, perfect vessels for holding all that luscious cheesy filling.
Kosher salt (1 tablespoon): Seasoning the pasta water ensures your shells are flavorful from the start.
Whipped cottage cheese or ricotta (30 ounces): This brings silky richness and that classic stuffed shell creamy texture we all adore.
Parmesan cheese, grated (6 ounces): Adds a salty nuttiness that can’t be beat—always grate fresh if you can.
Egg (1): Helps bind the filling so it stays beautifully creamy inside each shell.
Garlic, minced (1 to 2 cloves): Provides a delicate aromatic note that runs through every bite.
Fresh parsley, minced (1 tablespoon): Brings a bright, garden-fresh pop of green and subtle flavor.
Fresh basil, finely chopped (3/4 cup or about 8-10 leaves): Fills the filling with a sweet, herby aroma—don’t skimp!
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Seasons the cheese filling to perfection.
Fresh ground pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A gentle peppery bite to balance the creamy cheese.
Marinara sauce (28 ounces): Provides moisture, tang, and a deep tomato flavor that ties the whole dish together.
Mozzarella cheese, grated (8 ounces): Melts to a glorious golden crust on top—who can resist?

How to Make Easy Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F, and grab a 9×13 baking dish. Give it a quick spritz with cooking spray so nothing sticks later. Pour half of your favorite marinara sauce right into the bottom, spreading it in an even, cozy layer. This saucy bed will keep your shells tender and flavorful.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil—the salt makes a world of difference for flavor. Toss in your jumbo pasta shells and cook them for about 3 minutes less than it says on the package. You want them to be a little firmer than al dente; they’ll finish cooking in the oven. Drain them and rinse with cool water to keep them from sticking together and to stop the cooking process in its tracks.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine your whipped cottage cheese or ricotta, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, fresh parsley, basil, salt, and ground pepper. Stir everything together until smooth and beautifully speckled with those fresh green herbs. Taste it—this is truly where the flavor magic happens for these Easy Stuffed Shells!

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Using a spoon (or a small cookie scoop for less mess), gently fill each shell with a generous mound of cheese mixture. Don’t worry about perfection—just make sure they’re nice and full! Carefully place each filled shell, open side up, into the sauce-lined baking dish, nestling them close together in neat rows.

Step 5: Sauce and Cheese It Up

Pour the rest of your marinara sauce over the shells, spreading gently to coat them all. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella over the entire dish. There’s something magical about that thick cheesy layer—you’ll love how it bubbles up and browns.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your baking dish into the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and irresistibly bubbly. The aroma filling your kitchen right before these Easy Stuffed Shells emerge from the oven is pure happiness. Serve piping hot!

How to Serve Easy Stuffed Shells

Garnishes

Right before serving, sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. If you want to dial it up, a few shavings of Parmesan on top add a restaurant-worthy finish. A drizzle of good olive oil doesn’t hurt, either!

Side Dishes

Pair your Easy Stuffed Shells with a crisp Caesar salad or a zippy arugula salad for a fresh contrast. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is a non-negotiable in our house, perfect for sopping up that extra marinara. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli are also great if you’re in the mood for something green.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting or just want to impress, try serving your Easy Stuffed Shells in individual small casseroles for each guest. Another fun idea: nestle a few shells on top of buttery polenta or wilted spinach. A sprinkle of chili flakes atop each serving makes the dish pop visually and adds a gentle heat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Stuffed Shells keep beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover the dish tightly with foil or store shells in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to four days, making them perfect for easy lunches or next-day dinners.

Freezing

Want to plan ahead? Assemble your shells up to the baking step, cover tightly, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, bake directly from frozen (add 15 to 20 extra minutes to the cook time), or thaw overnight before baking for a more even heat.

Reheating

To reheat, place the shells in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm at 350°F until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes. For smaller portions, a microwave works great—just add a splash of water or sauce and heat until warm throughout. The shells stay surprisingly moist and delicious even after reheating!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought ricotta instead of cottage cheese?

Absolutely! Store-bought ricotta is classic and delicious. Whipped cottage cheese is a lower-fat, protein-packed alternative that gives a light, creamy texture, but ricotta works perfectly in these Easy Stuffed Shells.

What can I use instead of jumbo shells if I can’t find them?

If jumbo shells aren’t available, try using manicotti or even layering the cheese filling and pasta like traditional lasagna. The flavors will still shine!

Can I add spinach or other veggies to the filling?

Yes! Chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or even finely chopped zucchini blend seamlessly into the cheese mixture. Just make sure to drain excess moisture before mixing them in.

How do I prevent the shells from sticking together?

Rinsing the pasta shells with cool water after draining stops the cooking process and keeps them from sticking. Laying them out on a baking sheet until you’re ready to stuff them helps, too.

Is it possible to prepare Easy Stuffed Shells a day ahead?

Definitely! Assemble the shells, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. The flavors meld beautifully and it’s wonderful for entertaining or busy weeks.

Final Thoughts

Once you taste these Easy Stuffed Shells, you’ll understand why they’re one of my all-time go-to recipes for comfort food that pleases everyone. Let this dish become a new favorite at your table—it’s easy, forgiving, and guaranteed to bring smiles. Don’t wait for a special occasion; make a pan of Easy Stuffed Shells tonight and enjoy every creamy, saucy, cheesy bite!

Easy Stuffed Shells Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 16 reviews

Author: Chloe
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Easy Stuffed Shells are a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a creamy mixture of whipped cottage cheese, Parmesan, fresh herbs, and seasonings, then baked in marinara sauce and topped with gooey melted mozzarella cheese.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F.
Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of the dish. Set aside.
Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta shells until slightly underdone according to package instructions.
Prepare Filling: In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper.
Fill Shells: Stuff pasta shells with the cheese mixture and arrange in the baking dish.
Add Sauce and Cheese: Cover shells with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle mozzarella on top.
Bake: Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly. Serve hot.

Notes

You can customize the filling by adding cooked ground beef, sausage, or spinach.
For a vegetarian option, swap out the Parmesan for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian