If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious meal that brings family and friends together, look no further than baked stuffed pasta shells. These delightful jumbo pasta shells are filled to the brim with a creamy ricotta mixture, topped with a tasty marinara sauce, and finished off with melted mozzarella cheese. This recipe not only satisfies hunger but also offers a beautiful presentation that is sure to impress at any dinner table. The combination of flavors and textures in baked stuffed pasta shells makes them a standout dish—one that is both cozy and indulgent.

Simple yet elegant, this baked stuffed pasta shells recipe is incredibly versatile and makes for a perfect weeknight dinner or a show-stopping crowd-pleaser at gatherings. In just a few straightforward steps, you can create a cheesy delight that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Plus, the beauty of this dish is that it can be prepped ahead of time and baked when you’re ready, making it an excellent option for busy nights when you want to impress without the fuss.

Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, baked stuffed pasta shells allow for creativity. You can customize the filling, experiment with toppings, and even add additional sides or accompaniments to create a well-rounded meal. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create a dish that embodies warmth, flavor, and love!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Stuffed Pasta Shells

Comfort Food: The creamy filling and gooey melted cheese are the epitome of comfort food.
Easy to Prepare: This dish is straightforward and can be made with simple ingredients.
Customizable: Feel free to customize the filling with vegetables, different cheeses or herbs.
Great for Meal Prep: Baked stuffed pasta shells can be prepared in advance and baked when needed.
Perfect for Gatherings: This dish serves multiple people and is always a crowd favorite!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into making your delicious baked stuffed pasta shells, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools. Start by gathering a large pot for boiling the pasta, a mixing bowl for combining the cheese filling, and a 9×13-inch baking dish for assembling the shells. This dish is perfect because it allows the shells to bake evenly and the cheese to bubble beautifully.

Next, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial, as it ensures that your dish will cook perfectly and develop that golden, bubbly top. While the oven heats, prepare your jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions, taking care not to overcook them. A little undercooked is better since they will cook more in the oven!

Ingredients

20–24 jumbo pasta shells
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Salt and pepper to taste
3 cups marinara sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray or a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. This will ensure your scrumptious pasta shells come out intact and looking lovely when they are finished cooking.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Use a spatula or spoon to stir everything together until it forms a creamy filling. Make sure all the ingredients are well-mixed, creating a homogenous blend of flavors that will burst in each pasta shell.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish

Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce onto the bottom of your greased baking dish and spread it evenly. This will provide a flavorful base for your pasta shells and help keep them moist while baking.

Step 4: Fill the Pasta Shells

Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and allow them to cool slightly. Using a tablespoon or piping bag, fill each cooked pasta shell with approximately one tablespoon of the cheese mixture. Place each filled shell into the baking dish, lining them up in a single layer for even cooking.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Once all the shells are filled, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed pasta shells, spreading it evenly to ensure every shell is covered. Finally, sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once done, let the stuffed pasta shells rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the filling set slightly and make serving easier. Garnish with some fresh basil leaves for that extra touch of color and flavor. Enjoy your delicious baked stuffed pasta shells!

Variations

Protein: Add cooked sausage, ground beef, or shredded chicken to the cheese filling for an added protein boost.
Vegetables: Mix in chopped spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to add flavor and nutrition.
Spices: Enhance the flavor with Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, or freshly cracked black pepper.

Cooking Notes

Ensure that you don’t overcook the pasta shells to prevent them from tearing while stuffing.
If you like a crispy top, bake uncovered for the last 5-10 minutes.
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days; they taste even better the next day!

Serving Suggestions

Pair your baked stuffed pasta shells with a simple side salad for a refreshing contrast.
Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks to sop up the delicious marinara sauce.

Tips

Using a piping bag can simplify the filling process—it’s clean and efficient!
Taste the cheese filling and adjust seasonings before stuffing to ensure your flavor is perfect.
Feel free to mix and match cheeses based on your preferences.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Nutritional Information

Calories: 400 per serving
Protein: 20g
Sodium: 650mg

FAQs

Can I make baked stuffed pasta shells in advance?

Yes! You can prepare this dish a day or two in advance. Just assemble the stuffed shells, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I serve with baked stuffed pasta shells?

A crisp side salad and garlic bread are great pairings, offering a fresh and hearty complement to the pasta dish.

Can I freeze baked stuffed pasta shells?

Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled shells (before baking) for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Can I use other types of cheese in the filling?

Yes! Feel free to mix different cheeses like cottage cheese, goat cheese, or feta to customize the flavor to your liking.

Conclusion

Baked stuffed pasta shells are more than just a meal; they are a celebration of flavors, creativity, and comfort. This recipe allows you to bring together the richness of ricotta and mozzarella with the tanginess of marinara sauce, creating a dish that resonates with warmth and nostalgia. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, these pasta shells are bound to become a favorite. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different fillings and toppings to make this dish your own. We’d love to hear how it turned out for you—comment below with your experience or any variations you tried!