Name: Baked Stuffed Shells
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 jumbo pasta shells; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (optional); 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional); 1/2 cup finely chopped onions (optional); 2 cups marinara sauce; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Are you craving a comforting, hearty dish that’s quick, delicious, and customizable? Look no further! These Baked Stuffed Shells are filled with creamy ricotta, tangy marinara, and ooey-gooey mozzarella, making them the perfect cozy meal for busy weeknights. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a mouthwatering pasta dish that’s guaranteed to impress the whole family—without the hefty price tag of takeout! Plus, they are endlessly adaptable—mix in your favorite veggies, switch up the ingredients, or even swap cheeses to make this dish truly yours!

If you’re ready to indulge in a plate of fluffy shells stuffed to the brim, let’s dive into this delightful culinary adventure together!

What are Baked Stuffed Shells?

Baked Stuffed Shells are a one-pan wonder made by filling jumbo pasta shells with a savory cheese mixture and baking them in a luscious marinara sauce. Topped with stretchy mozzarella and baked until bubbly, this fast and flavorful Italian-inspired meal is perfect for a satisfying family feast. With minimal prep and a quick bake time, it’s a dish that will become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Baked Stuffed Shells

This recipe checks all the boxes! It’s quick, customizable, and oh-so-delicious. Here are the reasons why you’ll be obsessed:

Quick & Effortless: You can whip these up in no time! With just 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of baking, you’ll be serving dinner in less than 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The creamy filling, savory sauce, and melted cheese come together for a symphony of flavors. Much like how the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe elevates dishes with freshness, these stuffed shells deliver comforting notes that are simply irresistible.
Minimal Cleanup: Using just one baking dish, cleanup is a breeze. Say goodbye to piles of dirty dishes!
Versatile for Any Night: This recipe is flexible! You can swap in different cheeses or add in vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for a nutrition boost. You can even try this dish with ground turkey or beef for an added punch of protein, similar to my Flavorful Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe.
Ideal for Weeknight Wins: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends, Baked Stuffed Shells have your back!
A Family Favorite Showstopper: Kids and adults alike will love this dish! With all that gooey cheese and delicious flavors, it’s sure to be a hit—just like my Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole Recipe.
Endless Swaps: The possibilities are endless! Use your favorite ingredients, sauces, and spices to create your own special version of Baked Stuffed Shells.

Meta Info:
Fast, colorful Baked Stuffed Shells with cheesy filling and savory sauce—perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or when you want something comforting and delicious.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Main Dish
Method: Oven
Cuisine: Italian

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Baked Stuffed Shells Ingredients

Get ready to gather your ingredients! We’ll keep it simple and organized to make your cooking experience a delight.

Pasta Shell Ingredients

12 jumbo pasta shells
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste

Veggies Ingredients

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
1/2 cup finely chopped onions (optional)

Sauce Ingredients

2 cups marinara sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to whip up Magic in your baking dish.

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook Pasta: Add the jumbo shells to the boiling water and cook for 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare Filling: In a bowl, mix ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and any optional veggies you prefer.
Stuff Shells: Carefully stuff each shell with the cheese filling using a spoon or piping bag.
Assemble & Bake: Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the stuffed shells on top, cover with remaining marinara sauce, sprinkle with remaining mozzarella, and drizzle olive oil on top. Bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Nutrition:

Serving Size: 1 serving
Did you make this recipe? Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see your baked stuffed shells!

How to Make Baked Stuffed Shells

Here’s a detailed look at how to create your own fabulous Baked Stuffed Shells:

Prep the Pasta: Preheat your oven and cook the pasta shells until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and let them cool.
Mix the Filling: Combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasonings, salt, and pepper in a bowl. If you’re adding vegetables, now’s the time!
Stuff and Bake: Fill each shell with the cheese mixture. Pour marinara sauce in a baking dish, place shells filled side up, cover, and bake for 10 minutes.

How Long Will Baked Stuffed Shells Last?

Let’s chat storage! To maintain the scrumptiousness:

How Long… in the Fridge?

They last 3-4 days covered in the fridge. Make sure they cool quickly before refrigerating and reheat in the oven or a pan for best results.

Can You Freeze…?

Yes, you absolutely can! Baked Stuffed Shells can be frozen for up to 2 months. Pro tip: Freeze prior to baking. Much like Freezing Lasagna Recipe, this way you can pop them in the oven straight from the freezer!

Signs… Gone Bad:

Slimy texture
Off smell
Discoloration
Mold

Which [MAIN_INGREDIENT] is Best for Baked Stuffed Shells?

Selecting the right ingredients can elevate your dish!

Best Type of [MAIN_INGREDIENT]:

Choose your favorite cheeses: Ricotta, Mozzarella, and Parmesan are the classics! Don’t hesitate to try goat cheese for a tangy twist.

How to Prep:

Opt for fresh cheese: It creates a creamy, dreamy filling. Also, consider draining ricotta to avoid excess moisture.

Other [MAIN_INGREDIENT] Options:

Spinach: Adds nutrition.
Ground meat: Incorporate for added protein.

Final Thoughts: Your choice of ingredients will elevate this dish, making it a winner every time you serve it!

Social CTA: For more recipes, follow me on Pinterest and Facebook!

Conclusion

Recap this flavorful no-fuss Italian main dish filled with cheesy goodness! With just one pan, you’ll have a quick and satisfying meal that will make you the family hero. Give these Baked Stuffed Shells a try and share this delightful dish with those you love. They’ll be asking for seconds—trust me!