How to Make Classic Stuffed Shells: A Delicious Comfort Food Recipe
Stuffed shells are a favorite dish in many homes because they’re comforting, cheesy, and totally satisfying. This classic Italian-American recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you’re craving a warm plate of delicious pasta. The best part? It’s easier to make than you might think! With jumbo pasta shells, creamy ricotta filling, and zesty marinara sauce, you’ll have a meal that looks fancy but is simple enough to prepare. Follow along for step-by-step instructions on how to make classic stuffed shells using easy ingredients and simple techniques.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Stuffed shells require just a handful of comforting, pantry-friendly ingredients:
For the shells:
- 20-25 jumbo pasta shells: You can find these in most grocery stores. These large shells are made for stuffing!
- Salt: To flavor the pasta water.
For the filling:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese: The creamy base of the filling.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds gooeyness to the filling!
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty flavor to the mix.
- 1 large egg: Helps hold everything together.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dried Italian herbs: Adds a pop of flavor.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: For just the right amount of savory seasoning.
- ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper: To add balance and flavor.
For the sauce:
- 3 cups marinara sauce: You can use store-bought or make your own.
- Extra shredded mozzarella: To melt over the top at the end.
Equipment You’ll Need:
Before you start cooking, gather your essentials:
– A large pot for boiling pasta.
– A mixing bowl to prepare the filling.
– A baking dish (9×13 works great).
– A spoon (to stuff the shells), measuring cups, and foil.
– And, of course, an oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, you’ll prepare everything else.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of water with a generous pinch of salt. Add the jumbo shells and cook them according to the package instructions, but take them out about 1 minute early. This keeps them firm so they don’t tear when you stuff them. Drain the pasta and set them aside to cool slightly—handling hot shells can be tricky!
Step 3: Make the Ricotta Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, parsley (or Italian herbs), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s creamy and fully combined.
This cheesy filling is the heart of stuffed shells—it’s rich, flavorful, and comes together in just minutes!
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish
Take your baking dish and spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce over the bottom. This layer keeps the shells moist as they bake and adds delicious flavor.
Step 5: Stuff the Shells
Using a spoon (or clean hands!), scoop about 1-2 tablespoons of the ricotta filling into each cooled pasta shell. Be careful not to overstuff—they should look full but not bursting.
Place stuffed shells in the baking dish, seam side up. Snuggle them close together so they hold their shape and stay upright.
Step 6: Cover with Sauce
Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Make sure they’re completely covered—this keeps them moist during baking.
Step 7: Add Mozzarella Topping
Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. This creates a gooey, golden topping when baked!
Step 8: Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil. Bake the shells in the oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to let the cheese melt and turn bubbly and golden.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Once baked, let the stuffed shells cool for about 5 minutes before serving—they’ll smell amazing, but the cheese will be very hot! Serve them with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for garnish if you like. Pair your stuffed shells with garlic bread and a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Making Stuffed Shells Perfectly:
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Slightly undercooked shells are easier to stuff and won’t go mushy in the oven.
- Customize your filling: Add chopped spinach, cooked sausage, or basil to the ricotta mixture for extra flavor.
- Use good-quality marinara sauce: The sauce ties everything together, so pick one you love or try making your own from scratch.
- Prep ahead: Stuff the shells and refrigerate them overnight for a fuss-free weeknight dinner—just bake them when you’re ready!
Stuffed shells are a timeless recipe that’s easy to master and adapt. Once you get the hang of it, you can get creative—add veggies, make them extra cheesy, or use different sauces like Alfredo or pesto. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is guaranteed to please everyone at the table. So grab your ingredients and give it a try—your new favorite comfort food is waiting! Happy cooking!
