Introduction
If you’re looking for a meal that’s warm, comforting, and loaded with flavor, look no further than creamy and cheesy stuffed shells. This dish brings together all the best parts of Italian comfort food in one hearty plate. Picture jumbo pasta shells filled with a rich blend of cheeses, smothered in your favorite sauce, and baked until bubbly and golden. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or prepping a dish to impress guests, stuffed shells are always a good idea.
What makes this recipe even better is how easy it is to put together. You don’t need fancy ingredients or advanced cooking skills. The process is simple and forgiving, making it ideal for beginners and experienced home cooks alike. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can keep it vegetarian or add protein like ground meat or chicken. You can switch the sauce from marinara to Alfredo or even combine the two for a creamy pink sauce. There are so many ways to make it your own.
Stuffed shells are not only satisfying but also make excellent leftovers. You can prepare them in advance, store them in the fridge or freezer, and pop them in the oven when you’re ready. It’s a great way to save time and still enjoy a homemade meal. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything from the ingredients and cooking steps to tips for customizing, nutrition info, and serving ideas. Let’s get started with this classic favorite that never disappoints.
Ingredients Needed
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s important to gather all your ingredients. Most of these items are pantry staples or easy to find at your local grocery store. This recipe uses a mix of creamy cheeses, flavorful herbs, and either Alfredo or marinara sauce depending on your taste preference. Here’s everything you need to bring this delicious dish together.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Jumbo pasta shells | 20 to 25 shells | 210 (for 5 shells) |
| Ricotta cheese | 1 and ½ cups | 330 |
| Mozzarella cheese (shredded) | 2 cups | 640 |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | ½ cup | 215 |
| Egg | 1 | 70 |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves | 10 |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | 2 tablespoons | 5 |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | 0 |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon | 0 |
| Alfredo or marinara sauce | 2 cups | 300 (Alfredo) or 160 (Marinara) |
| Olive oil (for greasing) | 1 teaspoon | 40 |
You can swap out or add to these ingredients depending on your preferences or dietary needs. For example, adding spinach or using a low-fat cheese blend can make it a bit lighter.
Read More: Ziti Bake That’s Perfect for Family Dinners
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven heats up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your jumbo pasta shells until they are just tender. You want them al dente because they will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the shells and set them aside to cool slightly so they’re easier to handle.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, one and a half cups of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, one egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is fully combined. This will be your creamy and cheesy filling. It should be thick and easy to spoon into the shells.
Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Spread one cup of your chosen sauce across the bottom of the dish. Take each shell and carefully spoon the cheese filling inside. Be generous but not so much that the shell breaks. Arrange the filled shells side by side in the baking dish, open side up.
Once all the shells are stuffed and in the dish, pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top. Make sure to cover most of the shells so they don’t dry out during baking. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese over the top for that perfect gooey finish.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to plate.
Read More: Easy Baked Ziti for Busy Weeknights
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
One of the best things about stuffed shells is how easy they are to personalize. If you want to add meat, you can mix in cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken into the cheese filling. For a healthier twist, add chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or zucchini to the mix.
You can also play around with the sauce. Alfredo sauce will give you a richer and creamier texture, while marinara keeps it light and tangy. Combining the two into a pink sauce gives you the best of both worlds. For some spice, add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the filling.
If you’re following a gluten-free diet, just use gluten-free pasta shells. Want a lower calorie version? Use part-skim cheeses and add more vegetables. There’s really no wrong way to make these stuffed shells as long as you enjoy the result.
Nutritional Information
Here is a rough breakdown of the nutrition for one serving, which is about 3 to 4 stuffed shells with sauce.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 to 550 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35 to 45 grams |
| Protein | 20 to 25 grams |
| Fat | 25 to 30 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 12 to 15 grams |
| Fiber | 2 to 4 grams |
| Sodium | 600 to 800 mg |
| Calcium | 300 to 350 mg |
These values can vary based on the ingredients you use and how much sauce and cheese is added. If you’re counting macros or managing your intake, it’s easy to adjust the recipe to better fit your goals.
Serving Suggestions
Stuffed shells are a filling meal on their own but they pair beautifully with a few simple sides. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the cheese and sauce. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices make the perfect companion for soaking up any extra sauce left on the plate.
You can also serve this dish with steamed vegetables or roasted asparagus to add more nutrition. For a more elegant touch, pair it with a glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay. It’s also a great potluck or meal prep dish. You can make it ahead of time and reheat it during the week for quick and easy dinners.
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Conclusion
Easy creamy and cheesy stuffed shells are the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. They’re warm, filling, and full of flavor. With a handful of ingredients and a simple prep process, this dish makes home-cooked comfort food accessible to everyone. Whether you keep it classic or try new variations, stuffed shells are a reliable favorite that’s always worth the effort.
You can make this recipe once and enjoy it for days. It’s freezer-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and flexible enough for any dietary needs. From casual family dinners to cozy nights in, this creamy and cheesy stuffed shells recipe is a must-try. Save it, share it, and most importantly, enjoy every bite.