Description
Classic Stuffed Shells is a comforting Italian-American baked pasta dish featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese mixture, seasoned with Italian herbs, and baked in a rich marinara sauce topped with melted cheese. This hearty and satisfying meal is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 24 jumbo pasta shells (cooked according to package directions)
Cheese Filling
- 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
Sauce and Topping
- 3 cups marinara sauce (divided use)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided use)
- 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped)
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Coat a 9″x13″ baking pan evenly with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Layer Marinara Sauce: Spread 1 1/2 cups of marinara sauce in an even layer over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This forms the flavorful base for the pasta shells.
- Make Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, egg, salt, pepper, and grated parmesan cheese. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated to create a creamy, flavorful filling.
- Stuff Pasta Shells: Carefully fill each cooked jumbo pasta shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon. Nestle the stuffed shells side by side in the baking dish on top of the marinara sauce.
- Add Sauce and Cheese Topping: Spoon the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Then sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese over the top, covering the shells generously for a cheesy crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the cheese filling to cook through gently.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and starts to brown lightly, indicating a delicious bubbly finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the finished casserole with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve hot, enjoying the creamy, cheesy comfort of classic stuffed shells.
Notes
- Cooking time for pasta shells varies by brand; follow package directions closely for best texture.
- For a smoother filling, you can blend the ricotta mixture slightly before stuffing.
- Feel free to add cooked spinach or finely chopped cooked meat to the cheese mixture to vary flavors.
- If you prefer a crustier top, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes after baking uncovered, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated covered in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: stuffed shells, ricotta pasta, baked pasta, Italian recipe, comfort food, vegetarian pasta
