Stuffed Shells Pasta

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Stuffed Shells Pasta is the cozy, family-style dinner that wraps comfort into every cheesy, saucy bite. It’s a timeless Italian-American dish featuring tender jumbo pasta shells, generously filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, all nestled in layers of marinara and finished with melty mozzarella. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight family dinner or prepping it for guests, this meal always brings people back for seconds.

The magic of stuffed shells lies in its simplicity. It doesn’t require complicated techniques or a long list of fancy ingredients. It’s easy to prep ahead of time, freezes beautifully, and bakes into golden, bubbling goodness. Perfect for meatless Mondays or paired with a hearty salad and garlic bread, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit across the board.

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What Kind of Pasta Shells Should I Use?

For this recipe, you’ll need jumbo pasta shells. These oversized shells are perfect for holding the creamy cheese and spinach mixture without tearing. Make sure to cook them al dente—just firm enough to hold their shape as you fill and bake them.

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Ingredients for the Stuffed Shells Pasta

Jumbo Shells
These are the star of the dish and act as the perfect vessel for the cheesy filling.

Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta brings a creamy and slightly tangy base to the filling. Use whole milk ricotta for the richest texture.

Fresh Spinach
This adds color, flavor, and a healthy touch to balance the cheese. You can also use frozen spinach—just make sure it’s thawed and well-drained.

Mozzarella Cheese
Mild and melty, mozzarella tops the shells and helps create that irresistible cheese pull.

Parmesan Cheese
For nutty depth and saltiness, Parmesan is folded into the filling and sprinkled on top.

Egg
Helps bind the filling ingredients together.

Marinara Sauce
Use a high-quality jarred sauce or your favorite homemade recipe. This is the cozy, tomato-rich base that ties everything together.

Garlic & Onion Powder
Simple seasonings to enhance the flavor without overpowering the filling.

Fresh Basil or Parsley (Optional)
For garnish and a burst of fresh herbal flavor.

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How To Make the Stuffed Shells Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside to dry slightly.

Step 2: Make the Ricotta Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach (fresh or thawed frozen), egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents the shells from sticking and keeps them moist during baking.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Using a spoon, carefully fill each cooked shell with the ricotta-spinach mixture. Nestle the stuffed shells into the prepared baking dish, open side up, arranging them in a single layer.

Step 5: Layer and Top

Once all the shells are arranged in the dish, spoon more marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and a bit of extra Parmesan.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley before serving for a pop of freshness and color.

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How to Serve and Store Stuffed Shells Pasta

Stuffed Shells Pasta is best served warm, straight from the oven, with a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs and an extra grating of Parmesan on top. Pair it with a simple green salad, crusty garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

For storing, let the shells cool completely before covering and refrigerating. They keep well for up to 4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This dish also freezes beautifully—just assemble everything in a freezer-safe container, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen (covered) or thaw overnight before baking.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Absolutely! A good-quality jarred marinara works great and saves time. You can also use homemade sauce if you prefer a more customized flavor.

What type of ricotta should I use?

Whole milk ricotta offers the creamiest texture, but you can use part-skim for a lighter version. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture.

Can I add meat to the filling?

Yes, cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken can be mixed into the ricotta filling for a heartier version.

How do I keep the shells from tearing?

Cook the shells until just al dente and handle them gently. Rinsing them with cool water helps stop the cooking and makes them easier to fill.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Very! Assemble the dish as usual, then cover and freeze before baking. When ready to serve, bake it straight from frozen with an extra 15-20 minutes of cooking time.

Can I make this ahead?

Definitely. You can assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to bake.

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Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love these stuffed shells, you’ll want to try these other irresistible pasta favorites from Life with Nina:

• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for extra indulgence.
• Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce when you’re craving cozy comfort food.
• Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta for a quick, flavorful dinner fix.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli if you love stuffed pasta dishes with added veggies.
• One Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken Sausage Mac to spice things up a little.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it whenever comfort food calls: Follow me on Pinterest

And tell me in the comments how it turned out! Did you go with all cheese or add in some meat? Swap in a different sauce? I love hearing your tweaks and seeing your creations.

Let’s keep cooking and sharing together. Got questions or pasta tips? Drop them below and let’s chat!

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