There’s something about stuffed pasta that just feels like a warm hug in a dish. Picture this: jumbo pasta shells overflowing with a rich, cheesy filling, bathed in a luscious tomato sauce, and baked to bubbly perfection. Sounds heavenly, right? Trust me, once you make these stuffed jumbo shells, they’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re whipping up a cozy family meal, planning a dinner party, or just treating yourself, this dish brings comfort and flavor in every bite. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Stuffed Jumbo Shells
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: You can stuff these shells with a variety of fillings, from classic ricotta to a hearty meat or veggie mix.
Budget-Friendly: Simple pantry ingredients come together to create a restaurant-quality meal without the hefty price tag.
Quick and Easy: While they look impressive, they’re surprisingly easy to put together—perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable: Add your favorite spices, herbs, and cheeses to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Stuffed Jumbo Shells
Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with simple yet delicious ingredients that come together in the most satisfying way:
Jumbo Pasta Shells: The perfect edible pockets for that creamy, cheesy filling.
Ricotta Cheese: The heart of the filling—smooth, creamy, and packed with flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, gooey, and adds that irresistible cheese pull.
Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty, and the perfect finishing touch.
Egg: Helps bind everything together, creating the perfect texture.
Garlic: Because everything is better with a little garlicky goodness.
Marinara Sauce: A rich, tomato-based sauce that brings everything together.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the dish its signature flavor.
Fresh Basil: Adds a fresh, aromatic touch to balance the richness.
Salt and Pepper: Simple yet essential for seasoning.
Instructions
Preheat Your Equipment
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures even cooking and helps the cheese get perfectly golden and bubbly.
Cook the Pasta Shells
Boil the jumbo shells in salted water until just al dente. You want them slightly firm since they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
Stuff the Shells
Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each shell generously with the ricotta mixture. Don’t overstuff them—you want just the right amount of filling to keep everything balanced.
Assemble the Dish
Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer, then pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle extra mozzarella for that golden, bubbly topping.
Bake to Perfection
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Finishing Touches
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh basil for a burst of freshness and extra Parmesan for good measure.
Serve and Enjoy
Dig in while it’s warm, gooey, and full of flavor. Whether you pair it with a side dish or eat it on its own, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 Calories per serving: 450
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes Total Time: 55 minutes
How to Serve Stuffed Jumbo Shells
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- A crisp green salad with balsamic dressing adds freshness and balance.
- Garlic bread is perfect for soaking up that delicious marinara sauce.
- Roasted vegetables make a great, healthy side.
- A glass of red wine, like Chianti or Merlot, pairs beautifully with the flavors.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Use a piping bag to fill the shells easily and with less mess.
- Don’t overcook the pasta—it will soften more in the oven.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
- Try different cheeses like provolone or gouda for a unique twist.
- Make it ahead of time by assembling the dish and refrigerating it before baking.
Faq’s
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze stuffed shells? Absolutely! Freeze them unbaked, then bake straight from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Can I add meat to the filling? Yes! Cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken are great additions.
What can I use instead of ricotta? Cottage cheese or a blend of ricotta and cream cheese works well.
How do I keep the shells from sticking together? Rinse them under cold water after boiling and toss with a bit of olive oil.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce? Yes! But if you have time, homemade marinara takes it to the next level.
Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure your sauce is gluten-free.
How do I make it spicier? Add red pepper flakes or use a spicy marinara sauce.
What herbs can I add for extra flavor? Fresh oregano, thyme, or parsley are great options.
Conclusion
Stuffed jumbo shells are the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, saucy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family meal or impressing guests, this dish never disappoints. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and give it a try. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Stuffed Jumbo Shells
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Stuffed Jumbo Shells, a classic Italian-American dish featuring pasta shells filled with a rich ricotta and spinach mixture, baked to perfection in a savory marinara sauce. This hearty meal is perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 5 ounces fresh spinach
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
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Prepare the Pasta:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Drain the shells and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
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Prepare the Filling:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the fresh spinach and sauté until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat, let it cool slightly, then chop the spinach finely.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
-
Assemble the Dish:
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
- Fill each cooked pasta shell with approximately 2 tablespoons of the ricotta-spinach mixture.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish in a single layer.
- Pour the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
-
Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the stuffed shells up to one day in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
- Freezing Instructions: To freeze, assemble the dish but do not bake. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
- Variations: For added protein, mix cooked ground beef or Italian sausage into the filling. Alternatively, incorporate other vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 5 stuffed shells
- Calories: Approximately 520 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg