Stuffed Shells are a timeless Italian-American comfort food that never fails to impress. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a rich and creamy cheese mixture, layered with marinara sauce, and baked until perfectly melty and golden. This version features ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, cream cheese, and spinach for a balanced, flavorful, and family-friendly dinner that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients for Stuffed Shells
Pasta & Filling
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Jumbo pasta shells | 18–20 |
| Olive oil | 1–2 Tbsp |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Fresh spinach | 4 cups |
| Ricotta cheese | 15 oz |
| Mozzarella cheese, shredded | 3 cups (divided) |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ½ cup |
| Cream cheese | 2 Tbsp |
| Egg | 1 |
| Marinara sauce | 24 oz |
Seasonings
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp |
| Dried basil | ½ tsp |
| Dried parsley | ½ tsp |
| Dried oregano | ½ tsp |
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic stuffed shells filled with a creamy four-cheese spinach mixture, baked in marinara sauce and topped with bubbly mozzarella. A comforting Italian-style family dinner.
Ingredients
18–20 jumbo pasta shells
1–2 Tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups fresh spinach
15 oz ricotta cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tbsp cream cheese
1 egg
24 oz marinara sauce
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried parsley
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta shells until just under al dente; drain and cool.
3. Sauté garlic in olive oil, add spinach and cook until wilted.
4. Mix ricotta, seasonings, cheeses, egg, and spinach.
5. Spread half marinara in baking dish.
6. Fill shells and arrange in dish.
7. Top with remaining sauce and cheese.
8. Cover and bake 20 minutes.
9. Uncover and bake 10 minutes more.
10. Garnish and serve.
Notes
Make-ahead friendly.
Freeze up to 2 months.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Garnish
Fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Boil jumbo shells in salted water for 1 minute less than al dente, about 13 minutes. Drain and rinse gently with cool water to stop cooking. Set aside.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add spinach and cook about 3 minutes, until wilted. Set aside to cool.
In a large bowl, combine ricotta, salt, pepper, basil, parsley, and oregano. Stir in half the mozzarella, most of the Parmesan (reserve some for topping), cream cheese, and egg. Fold in cooled spinach mixture.
Spread half the marinara sauce in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Fill each shell with the cheese mixture and arrange in the dish.
Top with remaining marinara sauce, remaining mozzarella, and reserved Parmesan.
Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Helpful Tips
Cook extra shells in case a few break.
Let shells cool slightly before filling for easier handling.
This dish pairs perfectly with garlic bread or a simple green salad.
Conclusion
These Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food cheesy, saucy, and satisfying. Easy to prep ahead and loved by both kids and adults, this baked pasta dinner is a reliable favorite for busy nights and special occasions alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can stuffed shells be made ahead?
Yes, assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate.
Can I freeze stuffed shells?
Yes, freeze unbaked or baked shells for up to 2 months.
Can I add meat?
Absolutely cooked ground beef or Italian sausage can be mixed into the filling or sauce.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, thaw and squeeze dry before using.