Looking for a classic, comforting pasta dish? Cheese Stuffed Shells are the perfect choice! Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, then baked in marinara sauce for a warm, hearty meal. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or any occasion when you want a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

8 ounces jumbo pasta shells (about 32 shells)
1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
½ cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
1 large egg
¼ cup chopped fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 (28-ounce) jar marinara sauce

Instructions:

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or slightly under al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, ½ cup of the shredded mozzarella, ¼ cup of the grated parmesan, the egg, chopped basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the shells.
Assemble the Dish: Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Stuff each pasta shell with the cheese mixture and arrange them in the baking dish on top of the sauce. Once all shells are filled, spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Serve: Garnish with additional fresh basil before serving for a burst of flavor and color.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Food Classic: Cheese stuffed shells are the ultimate comfort food, with creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and savory marinara sauce all wrapped in soft pasta.
Family-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd or your family, and it’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Make Ahead: It’s an ideal dish for meal prepping—assemble it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for later.
Flavorful and Hearty: With fresh basil, Italian seasoning, and two types of cheese, every bite is bursting with flavor.

Tips

Prevent Sticky Pasta: To keep the shells from sticking together while they cool, spread them out in a single layer or gently toss them in a little olive oil.
Easy Stuffing: If you’re short on time, use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off to fill the pasta shells quickly and neatly.
Extra Cheesy: For a cheesier dish, add extra mozzarella to the filling or sprinkle some on top before baking.

Variations and Substitutions

Vegetarian Version: This dish is naturally vegetarian, but you can add some sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the cheese filling for an extra layer of flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the regular pasta shells for gluten-free jumbo shells to make this recipe gluten-free.
Meat Lovers: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or turkey to the cheese filling for a heartier version.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella cheese for a vegan-friendly option, and top with your favorite non-dairy cheese.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the dish, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If frozen, bake from frozen, but increase the baking time.

Can I use a different type of sauce? Of course! While marinara sauce is traditional, you can use any pasta sauce you prefer, such as alfredo or pesto, for a different flavor profile.

Can I use a different type of pasta? Jumbo shells are ideal for stuffing, but you can also use other large pasta shapes like manicotti or cannelloni if shells are unavailable.

Serving and Suggestions

Side Dishes: Serve your cheese-stuffed shells with a side of garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Wine Pairing: Pair this dish with a glass of red wine, such as a Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon, to complement the rich tomato sauce and cheese.
Garnish: Top with fresh basil, grated parmesan, or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of flavor.

Enjoy this Cheese Stuffed Shells recipe as the perfect comfort food for a weeknight dinner or a special family gathering!