Description
Baked Stuffed Shells are a classic Italian-American comfort food featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. This dish is perfect for a hearty family meal or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 20–25 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade sauce)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Shells: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente, following package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
- Make the Cheese Filling: Mix ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, egg, parsley, basil, garlic, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes in a bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Stuff the Shells: Spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce over the bottom of the baking dish. Stuff each cooked shell with the ricotta mixture and place in the dish, open side up.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake the Shells: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the dish sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
- Ensure pasta is al dente to avoid overcooking during baking.
- You can freeze unbaked stuffed shells for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg