Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe
Classic Stuffed Shells is a comforting Italian-American baked pasta dish featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese mixture, seasoned with Italian herbs and baked in a rich marinara sauce until bubbly and golden. It’s perfect for a hearty family meal or special occasion.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 24 jumbo pasta shells (cooked according to package directions)
Cheese Filling
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Topping
- 3 cups marinara sauce (divided use)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped)
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and coat a 9″x13″ baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the sauce base: Spread 1 1/2 cups of the marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a flavorful base for the stuffed shells.
- Make the cheese filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella, Italian seasoning, egg, salt, pepper, and grated parmesan cheese. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated to form a creamy filling.
- Stuff the shells: Fill each cooked pasta shell generously with the ricotta and cheese mixture and arrange them neatly in the baking dish on top of the marinara sauce.
- Add sauce and cheese topping: Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, then sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top for a melty, golden crust.
- Bake covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to heat through.
- Bake uncovered and finish: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and beginning to brown.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish and serve warm. Enjoy your classic stuffed shells!
Notes
- Be sure to cook the jumbo pasta shells al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to add a pop of color and freshness.
- If you prefer, substitute part of the ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
- Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after baking before serving for easier plating.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
Keywords: stuffed shells, baked pasta, ricotta cheese, Italian recipe, vegetarian pasta dish, comfort food, marinara sauce, cheesy pasta bake
Find it online: https://dailysimplerecipe.com/classic-stuffed-shells-recipe/
