Quick and Easy Stuffed Shells Recipe

Introduction

Stuffed shells are one of those meals that bring comfort to the table with very little effort. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or hosting a casual dinner, this dish always hits the spot. What makes stuffed shells so special is their ability to hold delicious, creamy filling inside tender pasta, all baked together with marinara sauce and melted cheese. The result is a flavorful and satisfying dish that feels indulgent without being complicated.

This recipe is designed for real life. You don’t need to be a professional chef to make it. In fact, it comes together quickly with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. The process is simple, the cleanup is minimal, and the flavor is absolutely worth it. What’s even better is that you can prep it ahead of time, freeze it for later, or customize it to match your preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for a cheesy vegetarian dinner or want to add some protein, this stuffed shells recipe is flexible, hearty, and made to please.

Let’s get into everything you need to create this dish at home, from ingredients to cooking steps, along with tips for making it your own.

Ingredients Needed

To make stuffed shells that are cheesy, saucy, and full of flavor, you only need a few basic ingredients. Most of them are pantry or fridge staples, which makes this recipe incredibly convenient. Here’s everything you’ll need for the base version of this recipe. We’ll cover some fun ways to customize it in a later section.

Ingredients Table with Calorie Count

Ingredient	Quantity	Calories (Approx.)
Jumbo pasta shells	20 shells	200
Ricotta cheese	1 and ½ cups	375
Shredded mozzarella cheese	1 and ½ cups	336
Grated Parmesan cheese	½ cup	110
Egg	1 large	70
Fresh parsley (chopped)	2 tablespoons	4
Garlic (minced)	2 cloves	9
Marinara sauce	2 cups	180
Olive oil (for greasing)	1 teaspoon	40
Salt and pepper	To taste	0

These ingredients come together to create a creamy, cheesy filling tucked inside soft pasta shells, topped with tangy tomato sauce and gooey melted cheese. The average calorie count for one serving is around 330 to 380, depending on your portion size and specific ingredients.

Read More: Easy Baked Ziti for Busy Weeknights

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making stuffed shells is easier than it looks. You can break the process into three simple parts. First, you cook the shells. Then, you prepare the filling. Finally, you assemble and bake everything in the oven.

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s heating, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo shells and cook them until they are al dente. This usually takes about 8 or 9 minutes. Drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and prevent sticking. Set them aside.

In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with one cup of shredded mozzarella and the grated Parmesan. Add the egg, garlic, chopped parsley, and season everything with salt and pepper. Stir the mixture until it becomes smooth and evenly combined. This is your creamy filling that goes inside each shell.

Now it’s time to assemble. Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with olive oil. Pour one cup of marinara sauce into the bottom and spread it evenly. Take each cooked shell and fill it with a spoonful of the cheese mixture. You can use a small spoon or even a piping bag if you want to be fancy, but a simple spoon works just fine.

Place the filled shells into the dish in a single layer. Once they’re all in, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese across the surface so that everything gets a nice cheesy topping.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving so the shells hold together when you plate them.

Read More: Ziti Bake That’s Perfect for Family Dinners

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

This recipe is great as is, but you can always make it your own. One of the best things about stuffed shells is how easy they are to customize.

If you want to add protein, mix in cooked ground beef or Italian sausage with the cheese filling. Shredded chicken also works well, especially if you have leftovers to use up.

Vegetarians can add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or chopped zucchini to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to cook and drain the vegetables well so they don’t make the filling watery.

If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or use a spicy marinara sauce instead of the regular one. You can even experiment with different cheeses. Try cottage cheese in place of ricotta or add provolone and fontina to change the flavor.

You can also prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time. Assemble the dish, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Or freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to thaw in the fridge before baking.

Nutritional Information

This stuffed shells recipe is filling and satisfying without going overboard on calories. Each serving comes in at around 330 to 380 calories. That includes all the cheese, pasta, and sauce, so you get a rich meal that still fits into most balanced diets.

It contains a good amount of protein from the cheese and egg. You’ll also get a moderate amount of carbs from the pasta and some healthy fats from the cheese and olive oil. If you add vegetables or lean proteins, the nutritional profile becomes even more balanced.

Here’s a general breakdown per serving:

Calories: 330 to 380

Protein: 18 to 22 grams

Carbohydrates: 28 to 34 grams

Fat: 14 to 18 grams

Fiber: 3 to 5 grams

Sodium: 500 to 700 milligrams

Sugar: 5 to 7 grams

These numbers are approximate but give a good picture of what to expect in terms of nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed shells are a complete meal on their own, but they pair beautifully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cheese. Garlic bread or a warm baguette helps soak up the extra sauce.

If you want to keep things light, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans make a great side. For a heartier meal, serve the shells with roasted vegetables or even a small bowl of soup.

This dish also goes wonderfully with a glass of red wine. Try a Merlot or Chianti to bring out the tomato and cheese flavors. And if you’re serving guests, a sprinkle of fresh basil or extra Parmesan on top adds a nice finishing touch.

Read More: Creamy Rice and Chicken Casserole Recipe

Conclusion

Stuffed shells are one of those recipes that checks every box. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and endlessly customizable. You don’t need fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients. Just some pasta, cheese, sauce, and a bit of time in the oven.

This quick and easy version is perfect for weeknights but still feels special enough for a weekend dinner. It stores well, freezes beautifully, and works for almost any occasion. Plus, it’s a hit with kids and adults alike.

So the next time you’re looking for a satisfying, cheesy, and comforting meal, give this stuffed shells recipe a try. You’ll be glad you did.