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The Best Stuffed Pasta Shells

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The Best Stuffed Pasta Shells are tender jumbo shells filled with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, baked in marinara sauce, and topped with gooey mozzarella. This Italian-American classic is comforting, hearty, and perfect for weeknights or gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 20–24 jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking shells)
  • 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Optional: 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Optional: 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Optional: 1/2 cup sautéed spinach or chopped mushrooms

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, drizzle with olive oil, and let cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in optional spinach or mushrooms if using.
  4. Spread 1 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
  5. Fill each shell with the ricotta mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Arrange filled shells open-side up in the dish.
  6. Spoon remaining marinara sauce over shells. Top with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  8. Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Cook shells al dente and handle gently to avoid tearing.
  • Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or ground meat for variation.
  • Swap ricotta with cottage cheese or mascarpone for richness.
  • Try arrabbiata or Alfredo instead of marinara for a twist.
  • Freeze before baking for up to 3 months — bake from frozen with extra time.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/the-best-stuffed-pasta-shells/