Looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for family dinners or special occasions? This Baked Stuffed Shells recipe is packed with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, all tucked inside tender pasta shells and baked in a rich marinara sauce. It’s a classic Italian dish that’s not only comforting but also easy to make ahead and ideal for feeding a hungry group. Keep reading to learn how to make these deliciously cheesy baked stuffed shells!
What Are Baked Stuffed Shells?
Baked Stuffed Shells are large pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, often combined with spinach or ground meat, then baked in marinara sauce and topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This dish is similar to lasagna but simpler to assemble. The result is a rich, cheesy, and saucy pasta dish that’s perfect for any Italian-style dinner, especially when served with garlic bread and a fresh salad.
Ingredients List for Baked Stuffed Shells
Here’s what you’ll need to make Baked Stuffed Shells:
- 20-24 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 cup frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry, optional)
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is flexible, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences or dietary needs:
- Cheese: Use part-skim or whole milk ricotta cheese. You can also add or substitute cheeses like cottage cheese, fontina, or even cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Spinach: Adding spinach is optional, but you can substitute with other greens like kale or use cooked and crumbled Italian sausage or ground beef for a heartier filling.
- Marinara Sauce: Use store-bought marinara sauce for convenience, or make your own homemade tomato sauce. You can also try adding a creamy Alfredo sauce for a richer variation.
- Pasta: While jumbo shells are traditional, you can use manicotti or cannelloni pasta for stuffing if you can’t find shells.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make these delicious Baked Stuffed Shells step by step:
- Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente (about 9-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the cheese filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, Italian seasoning, and spinach (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
- Assemble the stuffed shells: Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Stuff each pasta shell with about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture and place them, open side up, in the baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells side by side in rows.
- Top with sauce and cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve warm.
How to Cook Baked Stuffed Shells: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a quick recap to help you make the perfect Baked Stuffed Shells:
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente and set aside to cool.
- Mix the ricotta filling with mozzarella, Parmesan, seasonings, and spinach (if using).
- Stuff the shells with the cheese mixture and arrange them in a baking dish.
- Top with marinara sauce and more cheese, then bake until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making Baked Stuffed Shells:
- Overcooking the pasta shells: Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente, as the shells will continue to soften while baking. Overcooked shells may become too soft and tear when stuffed.
- Not seasoning the filling enough: Be sure to taste the ricotta mixture and adjust the seasoning before stuffing the shells. The filling should be flavorful and well-seasoned.
- Skipping the foil: Covering the dish with foil during the first part of baking helps keep the shells moist and prevents the cheese from burning before the casserole is heated through.
- Not using enough sauce: Make sure to cover the shells generously with marinara sauce so they stay moist during baking.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Baked Stuffed Shells are a hearty dish, but here are a few ways to enhance your presentation and serving:
- Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the cheesy shells.
- Serve with garlic bread: Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the extra marinara sauce.
- Add a side salad: A crisp green salad or Caesar salad pairs beautifully with the richness of the baked shells.
How to Serve Baked Stuffed Shells
This dish is filling on its own, but here are some side dish ideas to complete your meal:
- Salads: A simple mixed green salad, Caesar salad, or even a tomato and mozzarella salad adds freshness and balance to the cheesy casserole.
- Bread: Serve with garlic bread, breadsticks, or warm dinner rolls to complement the saucy shells.
- Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts make a great side dish and add color to the meal.
Presentation Ideas for Baked Stuffed Shells
Casseroles may be casual dishes, but you can still make your Baked Stuffed Shells look appealing with a few simple touches:
- Use a beautiful baking dish: A colorful or decorative ceramic or glass dish can elevate the presentation when serving guests.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Top with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a vibrant finish.
- Serve in individual portions: For a more polished presentation, plate a few shells individually on each plate with extra marinara sauce on the side.
Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe Tips
To ensure your Baked Stuffed Shells turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the dish up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake it when ready to serve. Add a few minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold from the fridge.
- Freeze for later: This dish freezes well. Assemble the stuffed shells and freeze before baking. When you’re ready to cook, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
- Add extra veggies or protein: For added nutrition, mix in cooked vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach into the cheese filling. You can also add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the marinara sauce for a heartier dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Baked Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. When baking from cold, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I freeze Baked Stuffed Shells?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the stuffed shells before baking. Just assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Q: Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
A: Yes! Cottage cheese is a great substitute for ricotta in stuffed shells. Simply drain any excess liquid before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Q: Can I add meat to the recipe?
A: Definitely! You can mix cooked and crumbled Italian sausage, ground beef, or ground turkey into the cheese filling or add it to the marinara sauce for a heartier version.
Conclusion
These Baked Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and flavorful marinara sauce all in one hearty dish. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, special occasion, or even making it ahead for busy
weeknights, this casserole is sure to impress. Serve with a side of garlic bread and a salad for a complete, delicious meal. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a rich, cheesy Italian dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
PrintBaked Stuffed Shells Recipe
This Baked Stuffed Shells recipe is a classic Italian dish made with jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, then baked in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella. It’s a comforting, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells (cooked and drained)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus ½ cup for topping)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cooked spinach (drained and chopped)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, cooked spinach, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta mixture and place them in the dish on top of the sauce.
- Pour the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce over the shells.
- Sprinkle ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute the spinach with cooked kale or omit it for a plain cheese filling.
- For extra flavor, add ground beef or Italian sausage to the marinara sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 stuffed shells
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
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