The Creamiest Stuffed Jumbo Shells Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Pasta-loving souls find pure bliss in this delectable stuffed jumbo shells recipe that combines creamy ricotta with vibrant herbs.

Massive pasta pockets cradle a luscious mixture of cheeses and seasonal vegetables.

Mediterranean flavors dance across your palate with each carefully crafted bite.

Comfort meets elegance in this simple yet sophisticated dish perfect for intimate dinners.

Cheese enthusiasts will adore the rich, melted textures that emerge from the oven.

Minimal ingredients create maximum satisfaction, promising a meal that delights without complicated techniques.

Different Fillings to Try in Stuffed Shells

• Veggie Delight Shells: Replace ricotta with a blend of roasted zucchini, spinach, and cottage cheese for a lighter, vegetable-packed version.
• Spicy Mexican Shells: Add ground chorizo, jalapeños, and swap Italian herbs for cumin, chili powder, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flair.
• Seafood Mediterranean Shells: Incorporate chopped cooked shrimp, crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle with fresh dill for an elegant coastal-inspired variation.
• Protein Power Shells: Mix ground turkey or lean beef into the ricotta filling, boost protein content, and enhance nutritional value with extra lean meat.

Ideal Sides to Serve with Stuffed Shells

• Pair Perfectly with Crisp White Wine: Choose a light, acidic Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, creamy cheese and complement the herbal notes in the dish.
• Serve with Garlic Bread Sidekick: Create a crunchy, garlicky accompaniment that echoes the Italian flavors of the stuffed shells, providing a perfect textural contrast to the soft pasta.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Toss a light, peppery salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheese-filled shells and add a bright, refreshing element to the meal.
• Elevate with Red Wine Option: For red wine lovers, select a medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese that stands up to the robust tomato sauce and cheesy filling while enhancing the overall Italian profile.

How to Keep Stuffed Shells Fresh

Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place shells in a single layer to prevent sticking and maintain their shape.

Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date and contents for easy tracking.

Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place shells in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of extra sauce to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through.

FAQs

• What are jumbo shells and where can I find them?

Jumbo shells are large, pasta shells specifically designed for stuffing. You can find them in the pasta aisle of most grocery stores, typically near other specialty pasta shapes like lasagna noodles.

• Can I use other cheeses in the filling?

Yes, you can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or use a blend of different cheeses like provolone or fontina. Just ensure the texture remains creamy and spreadable.

• Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

The basic recipe is vegetarian-friendly. If you want to add protein, consider mixing in spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or meat alternatives like plant-based crumbles.

Why Stuffed Jumbo Shells Always Impress

• Conquer Comfort Food: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering Italian-inspired dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Customize with Ease: Mix and match cheeses, herbs, or add ground meat to the filling for a personalized twist that suits your taste buds perfectly.
• Family Dinner Champion: Packed with cheesy goodness and hearty flavors, these stuffed shells guarantee smiles around the table and clean plates every single time.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the shells ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.

Ingredients for Delicious Stuffed Jumbo Shells

• Jumbo Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for creating delicious stuffed pasta dishes.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy Italian cheese that provides a smooth and rich base for the stuffing.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp and salty flavor to enhance the filling's taste.
• Egg: Helps bind the filling ingredients together and provides structure.
• Pressed Garlic: Introduces a bold and aromatic flavor to the cheese mixture.
• Parsley, Basil, Oregano: Fresh herbs that bring bright and classic Italian seasonings to the filling.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Spaghetti Sauce: Provides a classic tomato base that complements the cheese-filled shells.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a golden, stretchy topping for the dish.

• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the dish during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

How to Prepare Stuffed Jumbo Shells

Step 1: Preparing Pasta

Grab your jumbo shells and cook them in boiling water. You’ll want to pull them out just before they’re fully cooked, keeping them slightly firm.

Quickly rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and prevent sticky shells.

Step 2: Creating Creamy Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Fresh parsley
• Basil
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Minced garlic

Stir until the mixture looks smooth and well-combined.

Step 3: Laying the Foundation

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish. This creates a delicious base for your shells.

Step 4: Stuffing the Shells

Carefully fill each shell with the ricotta mixture. Use a spoon to gently pack the filling, ensuring each shell is generously but not overly stuffed.

Step 5: Arranging and Saucing

Nestle the filled shells into the baking dish. Pour additional marinara sauce over the top, making sure every shell gets a good coating.

Step 6: Cheese Topping

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella across the shells, creating a beautiful cheesy blanket.

Step 7: Initial Baking

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F.

Let it cook for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 8: Final Browning

Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven.

Bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 9: Serving

Let the stuffed shells rest for a few minutes.

This helps them set and makes serving easier. Grab a fork and enjoy your delicious creation!

Tips for Perfectly Baked Stuffed Shells

• Cook shells just shy of al dente to maintain their structure and prevent tearing when filling with ricotta mixture.
• Add fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley directly into the cheese mixture for enhanced aromatic depth.
• Use an ice cream scoop or piping bag for even, mess-free filling of jumbo shells with precise portions.
• Prepare the stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• Let the baked dish rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow sauce to settle and cheese to set for easier serving and cleaner slices.

Stuffed Jumbo Shells Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy ricotta and spinach nestled in jumbo shells create a comforting Italian-inspired masterpiece that delights dinner guests. Melted cheese, herbal notes, and rich marinara sauce promise a memorable meal you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 box jumbo pasta shells
• 15 ounces (425 grams) ricotta cheese
• 8 ounces (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 24–28 ounces (680–794 grams) spaghetti sauce

Cheese and Herbs:

• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Seasonings and Binding:

• 1 large egg
• 3 cloves garlic, pressed
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare jumbo pasta shells by boiling them in salted water until just tender, approximately 8-9 minutes. Immediately drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking and prevent adhesion.
2. Create a creamy filling by thoroughly blending ricotta, Parmesan, egg, and fresh herbs. Incorporate minced garlic, salt, and pepper until uniformly mixed.
3. Generously coat the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish with spaghetti sauce, creating a protective layer for the pasta.
4. Carefully stuff each shell with the prepared ricotta mixture, ensuring a consistent and moderate fill without overflowing.
5. Arrange the filled shells strategically in the sauced baking dish, positioning them closely to maintain structural integrity.
6. Drench the shells completely with remaining spaghetti sauce, guaranteeing comprehensive coverage.
7. Distribute shredded mozzarella evenly across the top of the shells, creating a melted cheese blanket.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes, creating a sealed cooking environment.
9. Uncover the dish and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes until cheese becomes golden and sauce bubbles vigorously.
10. Allow the stuffed shells to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving, enabling the filling to stabilize and flavors to meld.

Notes

• Prevent shells from tearing by cooking them just shy of al dente, ensuring they remain sturdy for stuffing.
• Create a smoother filling by blending ricotta cheese until creamy, eliminating any lumps for a silky texture.
• Customize the recipe by swapping traditional cheeses with dairy-free alternatives for a vegan-friendly version.
• Add extra protein by mixing ground turkey or plant-based crumbles into the ricotta filling for a more substantial meal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 415 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 690 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg