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Stuffed shells are a beloved classic in Italian-American cuisine that combine the comforting embrace of pasta with a rich, cheesy filling. This dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy weeknight dinners. The allure of cheesy stuffed shells lies in their versatility; they can be tailored to suit various tastes, whether you prefer a classic ricotta filling or a more adventurous blend of cheeses and herbs.

Easy Stuffed Shells

Indulge in this cheesy Italian delight with easy stuffed shells! Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe combines jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese mixture, seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs. Topped with marinara sauce and more melty cheese, these shells are baked to perfection. Ready in just 55 minutes, they make a delicious option for 4-6 servings. Garnish with fresh basil for a beautiful finish!
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Ingredients
  

1 package (12 ounces) jumbo pasta shells

15 ounces ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)

2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

      In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella (1/2 cup), Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.

        Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

          Stuff each cooked shell with about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture and place them seam-side up in the baking dish.

            Once all the shells are filled and in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.

              Cover the dish with aluminum foil (making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to brown the cheese slightly.

                Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired before serving.

                  Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 4-6