Dinner

Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe

Name: Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 24 jumbo pasta shells (cooked according to package directions); 15 ounces ricotta cheese; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided use); 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 egg; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 3 cups marinara sauce (divided use); 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided use); 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped); Cooking spray

Bylilan Sage January 15, 2026January 15, 2026

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Introduction

Classic Stuffed Shells are a comforting Italian-American favorite, filled with a creamy ricotta mixture and topped with melted mozzarella and marinara sauce. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering rich flavors that everyone will love.

A close-up view of baked pasta shells arranged in a white baking dish, each shell stuffed and topped with a layer of melted, slightly browned mozzarella cheese and rich red tomato sauce, sprinkled with small green parsley pieces for garnish. A silver spoon is lifting one stuffed shell from the center, showing the gooey melted cheese stretching slightly. The pasta shells are golden yellow with a smooth texture, evenly covered by the cheese sauce, with browned spots adding a crispy look. The background shows a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

24 jumbo pasta shells (cooked according to package directions)
15 ounces ricotta cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided use)
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 egg
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
3 cups marinara sauce (divided use)
2 tablespoons parsley (chopped)
Cooking spray

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a 9″x13″ baking pan with cooking spray.
Step 2: Spread 1 1/2 cups of the marinara sauce in an even layer in the bottom of the pan.
Step 3: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, egg, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese. Stir until well mixed.
Step 4: Fill each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta mixture and arrange them in the baking dish on top of the marinara sauce.
Step 5: Spoon the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese over the top.
Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown.
Step 7: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

For added flavor, mix chopped spinach or cooked sausage into the ricotta filling.
You can substitute part of the ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter texture.
Use fresh basil or oregano instead of parsley for a different herb flavor.
If you prefer, make the dish ahead and refrigerate it before baking; just add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish covered with foil in a 350°F oven until heated through.

How to Serve

This image shows a white baking dish filled with two layers of large pasta shells. The bottom layer is covered with bright red tomato sauce. The pasta shells are stuffed and topped with melted mozzarella cheese that is browned in spots, and sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. The cheese covers most of each shell, blending into the sauce underneath. The dish looks hot and freshly baked, with a rich, creamy, and colorful texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare stuffed shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.