Easy Italian Stuffed Shells Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic Made Simple

 Easy Italian Stuffed Shells Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic Made Simple

If you're looking for a satisfying, family-friendly dinner that feels both comforting and elevated, look no further than these Easy Italian Stuffed Shells. With a creamy, seasoned ricotta filling nestled inside tender pasta shells, topped with tangy marinara sauce and gooey melted mozzarella, this dish delivers bold Italian flavors with minimal effort. It's perfect for weeknights, dinner parties, or meal prep — and best of all, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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🧀 Why You'll Love This Stuffed Shells Recipe

These baked stuffed shells are the definition of cozy. They bring together everything we love about Italian cuisine: cheesy, saucy, and hearty goodness baked into one perfect casserole. With simple ingredients, quick prep, and incredible flavor, this is a go-to dish you'll make again and again.

Whether you're serving a big family dinner or prepping meals for the week, these stuffed shells hit the spot every single time.

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🛒 Ingredients & Their Roles

Jumbo Pasta Shells (20 shells)

Role: The perfect vessel for holding the creamy ricotta mixture. These large shells maintain their shape well during baking and offer the ideal bite-sized portion.

Ricotta Cheese (1 lb)

Role: The base of the creamy filling. Ricotta gives the dish its signature texture—smooth, rich, and indulgent.

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups, divided)

Role: Used both in the filling and on top. Melts into stretchy, gooey layers that tie the whole dish together.

Grated Parmesan Cheese (1 cup)

Role: Adds a sharp, nutty depth to the filling. Balances the creaminess of the ricotta with a more complex, savory note.

Egg (1 large)

Role: Acts as a binder for the filling, ensuring it holds together beautifully inside the shells.

Marinara Sauce (2 cups)

Role: Brings moisture and bold tomato flavor. The acid in the sauce also cuts through the richness of the cheese, making each bite balanced.

Dried Basil (1 teaspoon)

Role: Adds a warm, slightly sweet herbaceous flavor that enhances the Italian profile.

Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon)

Role: Offers earthiness and depth. Essential for giving the dish that classic Italian-American flavor.

Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon)

Role: Provides an aromatic kick that brings all the flavors together.

Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)

Role: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in the dish.

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Easy Italian Stuffed Shells

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook jumbo pasta shells until al dente according to package instructions (usually about 9–10 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Ricotta Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

1 lb ricotta cheese

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella

1 cup grated Parmesan

1 large egg

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Salt and black pepper to taste

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined.

3. Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom.

4. Stuff the Shells

Using a spoon (or a piping bag for cleaner work), carefully fill each cooked shell with the ricotta mixture. Place each filled shell open-side up in the prepared baking dish.

5. Top with Sauce & Cheese

Spoon the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.

6. Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

7. Serve & Garnish

Let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

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💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shells

Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente shells are easier to stuff and won’t fall apart while baking.

Use high-quality marinara: A good sauce makes a big difference. Opt for homemade or a reputable jarred brand.

Make it ahead: Assemble the dish in the morning or the night before, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Double the batch: Stuffed shells freeze beautifully. Make two pans — one for now, one for later.

Add spinach: Mix in sautéed spinach to the ricotta filling for added nutrition and flavor.

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🍷 Serving Suggestions

These Italian stuffed shells pair perfectly with:

A simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette

Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread

A glass of Chianti or Pinot Noir

Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers

Want a heartier meal? Serve alongside Italian sausage or meatballs.

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📝 Why Everyone Loves This Recipe

✅ Simple ingredients you likely already have

✅ Quick prep time (under 20 minutes hands-on)

✅ Make-ahead and freezer-friendly

✅ Perfect for vegetarians

✅ Loved by kids and adults alike

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🔥 Final Thoughts

These Easy Italian Stuffed Shells are the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. Whether you're feeding a family, impressing dinner guests, or just craving a hearty, cheese-filled pasta dish, this recipe delivers. With bold flavors, melty cheese, and a satisfying texture in every bite, it’s no wonder this dish is a timeless classic.

Try it once, and it’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

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📌 Save this recipe, share it, and leave a comment below with your favorite twist on stuffed shells!

Ready to make comfort food magic? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! 🇮🇹🍝

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