Homemade Stuffed Shells: A Classic Italian Comfort Dish

Homemade Stuffed Shells are the perfect combination of cheesy, saucy, and hearty flavors, making them a comforting meal for any occasion. Whether you're preparing dinner for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or hosting a gathering, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Jumbo pasta shells are stuffed with a delicious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese, combined with herbs and seasonings, then baked in a rich marinara sauce. The result? A creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any pasta lover.

Ingredients for Homemade Stuffed Shells

For the Pasta & Filling:

• 20-25 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce & Baking:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan (for topping)
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

How to Make Homemade Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the jumbo shells according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix well until fully combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Stuffed Shells

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly at the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
3. Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture.
4. Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish, seam side up.
5. Pour the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce over the shells.
6. Sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Bake the Stuffed Shells

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
3. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

Tips for the Best Stuffed Shells

• Use fresh ingredients: Freshly grated parmesan and high-quality ricotta make a difference in flavor.
• Make it meatier: Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the marinara sauce for a heartier dish.
• Go vegetarian: Add spinach or mushrooms to the cheese mixture for a delicious veggie-packed version.
• Prep ahead: Assemble the shells a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
• Freeze for later: Freeze assembled shells before baking. When ready, bake from frozen at 375°F for 45-50 minutes.

What to Serve with Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shells pair wonderfully with:

• Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the extra marinara sauce.
• Caesar Salad – A crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich shells.
• Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans complement the dish well.
• A Glass of Red Wine – Such as Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Conclusion

Homemade Stuffed Shells are an easy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing Italian classic. Whether you're making it for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers rich, cheesy, and saucy flavors every time. Try it today and enjoy a plate of authentic Italian comfort food!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes! You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta, but the texture may be slightly different. Blending cottage cheese makes it creamier.

Q2: Can I make stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them a day before baking and refrigerate them. Just bake as directed when ready.

Q3: How do I freeze stuffed shells?
Arrange the stuffed shells in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 45-50 minutes.

Q4: Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! You can mix cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken into the ricotta filling or sauce.

Enjoy your homemade Stuffed Shells and bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen! 🇮🇹🍝