Easy Stuffed Shells Pasta

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Rich, cheesy, saucy, and utterly comforting, these Easy Stuffed Shells Pasta are everything you want in a hearty family dinner. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a luscious ricotta and mozzarella mixture, tucked into a dish with flavorful marinara, and baked to bubbling perfection. It’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with cozy aromas and invites everyone to the table without needing to call.

Whether it’s a weeknight or you’re hosting a casual dinner, this dish never fails to impress. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare and you can make it ahead, freeze it, or double the batch for leftovers that taste just as amazing the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Stuffed Shells Pasta

This recipe brings together classic Italian comfort food with minimal effort. The shells act as perfect little pockets to hold the creamy cheese filling, and the marinara provides both flavor and moisture. It bakes beautifully and gives that golden, slightly crispy cheese topping that’s just irresistible.

It’s also a flexible dish — you can sneak in some spinach, mushrooms, or ground meat into the filling if you like. It’s a great base for creativity but also perfect in its simplest form.

What Kind of Pasta Shells Should I Use?

You’ll need jumbo pasta shells for this recipe — the kind that are big enough to hold a spoonful of filling. They’re typically labeled as “jumbo shells” or “conchiglioni” and are easy to find in most grocery stores. Be sure to cook them just until al dente so they hold their shape during stuffing and baking.

Ingredients for the Easy Stuffed Shells Pasta

This dish relies on a few simple ingredients that come together to create something really special. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Jumbo pasta shells – Essential for holding that creamy filling. Make sure not to overcook them.
• Ricotta cheese – Forms the creamy base of the filling and adds mild richness.
• Mozzarella cheese – For melty, gooey texture both in the filling and on top.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty depth to the cheese mixture.
• Egg – Helps bind the filling together.
• Garlic – For a fragrant kick of flavor.
• Dried Italian herbs – Adds the classic seasoning blend that makes this dish feel authentically Italian.
• Salt and pepper – To taste, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Marinara sauce – Rich and tangy, it brings everything together and adds moisture.
• Fresh parsley – Optional but lovely for garnish and a pop of color.

How To Make the Easy Stuffed Shells Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside on a lightly oiled tray so they don’t stick together.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling

In a bowl, mix together the ricotta, half of the mozzarella, all of the Parmesan, egg, garlic, dried herbs, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Stuff the Shells

Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each shell with the cheese mixture. Don’t overstuff; you want them full but still easy to handle.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

In a baking dish, spread a generous layer of marinara sauce across the bottom. Place the stuffed shells on top of the sauce, open side up. Spoon more marinara over the top, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top is melted and golden.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy the stretchy cheese and flavorful sauce in every bite.

How to Store and Serve This Easy Stuffed Shells Pasta

This dish makes enough to feed about 4 to 6 people generously, making it ideal for families or for meal prepping. If you’re serving a crowd, doubling the recipe is easy and doesn’t require much extra time.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the stuffed shells either before or after baking. Just be sure to use freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, pop them in the oven covered at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual servings for a quick lunch.

What to Serve With Easy Stuffed Shells Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Classic and always a crowd-pleaser, garlic bread is perfect for mopping up extra marinara sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Add a little green to your plate with some oven-roasted broccoli tossed in olive oil and lemon zest.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil pair beautifully with the Italian flavors in the stuffed shells.

Antipasto Platter

Great for serving guests. Include olives, artichokes, salami, and cheese for a true Italian feel.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Pairing with soup makes it feel like a cozy Italian restaurant meal.

Steamed Green Beans

Lightly seasoned, they add a fresh and simple side that complements without overpowering.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Easy Stuffed Shells Pasta, you’ll definitely enjoy these other satisfying pasta recipes:

• Try this rich and savory Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni for a meaty twist.
• Looking for a seafood option? The Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is next-level indulgence.
• Keep it fresh with this colorful Healthy Sausage Veggie Skillet Meal packed with flavor.
• Make it spicy with the creamy kick of Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta.
• And if you’re into comfort food classics, don’t miss the creamy and cheesy Low-Carb Chicken Casserole.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s easy to find next time you’re craving something cozy and satisfying.

Let me know how your stuffed shells turned out in the comments. Did you add any veggies or meat to the filling? How did your family like it?

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and comfort food favorites on Luna Meals on Pinterest and find inspiration for your next delicious dinner.

Conclusion

Easy Stuffed Shells Pasta is the perfect mix of simplicity and flavor, giving you all the cheesy, saucy satisfaction of Italian cooking without the hassle. Whether it’s a quiet dinner at home or feeding a hungry bunch, this recipe will become a trusted favorite you’ll come back to time and time again.

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