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    You are here: Home / Savory / Stuffed Shells

    Stuffed Shells

    September 11, 2020 Updated March 16, 2021 BySam 35 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure policy.
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    single image of stuffed shells on a white dinner plate, recipe title in teal at top of image

    Easy, cheesy Stuffed Shells (with a secret ingredient in the filling!!) that can be assembled and in the oven in a matter of minutes. This easy dinner recipe is incidentally vegetarian and made with the option to use homemade or jarred sauce (if you’re in a hurry!). Less than 20 minutes of prep! 

    Freshly baked stuffed shells

    Easy Comfort Food

    I would’ve shared these Stuffed Shells with you weeks ago if they were only prettier.

    I don’t think I’ve ever had as much trouble photographing a recipe as I did here! In addition to all of the recipe testing, I made this recipe three separate times just trying to get pretty, or at least appetizing, photos!

    The sad truth is that stuffed shells simply aren’t very pretty. You’d think they might be, those beautiful, jumbo, yellow-gold shells encasing a velvety, cheesy filling, but no. Once you top them off with a layer of marinara sauce, the flavor is improved but the appearance… not so much. I even considered cooking them a different way (sauce underneath, not on top) simply so I could get a respectable picture.

    Ultimately I opted against sacrificing taste for appearance (obviously) and have resigned myself to the fact that these shells just need to be shown a they are. Maybe they look a little sauce stained and messy, but taste-wise they’re sheer perfection.

    Stuffed Shells on white plate, vegetarian dinner option for lent

    Let’s Talk Sauce

    You can use a store-bought pasta sauce for this recipe if you’re in a pinch, otherwise I really, really recommend you make my homemade marinara sauce.

    Stuffed Shells are a great vegetarian option but if you want a meatier version you can use the sauce from my baked ziti recipe instead.

    Oh, and if you’re looking for a perfect stuffed shell dinner pairing, can I recommend whipping up a batch of my garlic knots?

    Ingredients for Stuffed Shell filling

    The Secret Ingredient

    Did you catch that secret ingredient up there in my mixing bowl?

    Four ounces of cream cheese! While you might think that a half brick of cream cheese stirred in along with three other cheeses (mozzarella, parmesan, ricotta) seems excessive, I guarantee you it is so worth it. And besides, we’re cutting back a bit on the other cheeses to compensate for this addition. 

    If you’re a cream cheese hater, I want to let you know that I have two siblings who hate cream cheese. And yet when they tried the stuffed shells, they loved them and could not detect so much as a whiff of distinct cream cheese flavor. And they requested seconds!

    Maybe you’re wondering: if no one could tell there was cream cheese, then why add it? I promise I’m not just out to make you spend more money at the grocery store. While the cream cheese doesn’t have an overpowering or distinct taste, it lends a smooth, velvety creaminess to the filling, a subtle depth of rich flavor. I’ve tried these stuffed shells both ways (with and without), and they just taste so much better with the cream cheese.

    Assembling stuffed shells: stuffed and layering with marinara sauce

    How to Make Stuffed Shells

    1. Cook shells one minute shy of package instructions (so they don’t fall apart when you’re stuffing them), drain and arrange on a baking sheet so they don’t stick together.
    2. Prepare the cheese filling by mixing together cheeses, egg, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and garlic.
    3. Spoon filling into each shell.
    4. To assemble, lightly butter a 9×13 casserole dish and then layer a small amount of sauce on the bottom of the dish. Arrange shells in rows in casserole dish, then top off with remaining marinara sauce and extra cheese. Bake (covered, then uncovered for the last 10 minutes) and enjoy!

    Making in Advance and Refrigerating

    To store this (uncooked) stuffed shell recipe in the refrigerator, prepare according to recipe instructions then cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You may refrigerate for up to three days before baking according to recipe instructions.

    Can You Freeze Before Baking?

    You can definitely freeze stuffed shells, and I recommend doing so before you bake them (rather than after). You can freeze one of two ways:

    1. Boil and stuff each shell, place on a wax paper lined baking sheet and transfer to the freezer. Freeze shells for about 30 minutes, then remove. Place frozen shells in an airtight container like a Ziploc bag (because they are frozen, you won’t have to worry about them smashing one another or freezing into one another). Freeze for up to several months. When ready to bake, follow the recipe instructions for preparing the pan/covering the shells with sauce and cheese, and bake as indicated. Frozen shells may require an extra minute or two in the oven.
    2. Prepare the entire casserole dish as indicated in the recipe, but don’t bake! Cover dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil so that it is airtight. Freeze for up to several months. Allow casserole dish to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Keep in mind you should not put a freezing cold glass/ceramic dish in the oven — the temperature change will cause it to crack!

    Casserole dish of Baked Stuffed Shells

    Other Recipes You Might Like:

    • (My favorite) Chili Recipe
    • Potato Soup
    • Turkey Pot Pie
    • Mac & Cheese

    Enjoy!

    Be sure to check out my vdeo at the bottom of the recipe! If you enjoy watching, make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel where I’ve already uploaded over 200 recipe videos that you can watch for free!

    covering stuffed shells with marinara

    Stuffed Shells

    Easy, cheesy Stuffed Shells that can be assembled and in the oven in a matter of minutes. This stuffed shell recipe is made with the option to use my homemade marinara or jarred sauce (if you're in a hurry!). Less than 20 minutes of prep-time! 
    Be sure to check out the how-to video below the recipe!
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American, Italian
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes
    Servings: 20 stuffed shells
    Calories: 185kcal
    Author: Sam Merritt

    Ingredients

    • 20 jumbo shells¹
    • 3 cups marinara sauce² (719ml)

    For Filling:

    • 15 oz ricotta cheese (425g)
    • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided (226g)
    • ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese plus additional for topping, if desired (60g)
    • 4 oz cream cheese softened (113g)
    • 1 large egg lightly beaten
    • 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano optional
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
    • 1 large garlic clove pressed
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350F (175C)
    • Prepare Shells according to package instructions, but boiling one minute less than instructed on package. Drain, allow to cool several minutes, then separate and place on a baking sheet while you prepare your filling. While the shells are boiling, I’ll usually start preparing my pan and making my filling:
    • Lightly butter the sides and bottom of a 9x13 casserole dish. Layer with several spoonfuls of marinara sauce (just enough to lightly coat the bottom).
    • Prepare filling by stirring together ricotta cheese, 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese (170g), ⅓ cup parmesan, cream cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, and ground pepper until well-combined.
    • Portion into prepared shells by heaping spoonful.
    • Evenly spoon remaining marinara sauce over stuffed shells. Top with remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese (56g) and a sprinkle of grated parmesan (if desired).
    • Lightly spray one side of a piece of foil with cooking spray and loosely place foil (spray side down) over stuffed shells. Transfer to 350F (175C) oven and bake for 20 minutes, covered, then remove foil and continue to bake an additional 5-10 minutes.
    • Enjoy!

    Notes

    Check out my Garlic Knots -- they're a great side for stuffed shells, or any pasta recipe! 
    ¹You will only need 20 shells for this recipe, but I usually boil a few extra in case some tear
    ²You can use store-bought marinara sauce or you can use my homemade marinara sauce recipe (better option!!). My recipe makes 3 cups, so you will use all of it for these Stuffed Shells.
    See post for instructions on freezing/making ahead

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1stuffed shell | Calories: 185kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 345mg | Potassium: 221mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1300IU | Vitamin C: 13.2mg | Calcium: 210mg | Iron: 1.3mg
    Tried this recipe? Show me on Instagram!Mention @SugarSpun_Sam or tag #sugarspunrun!

    Recipe originally published Feb 27th, 2019

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Robbie Myers

      October 17, 2020 at 12:53 pm

      Can you put ground beef in these?

      Reply
      • Sam

        October 18, 2020 at 11:07 am

        Hi Robbie! I think that will be just fine. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Megan

      October 12, 2020 at 3:48 pm

      5 stars
      Hi Sam! I love your recipes– they always turn out delicious! I have these prepped and in the fridge for later. Super easy to make and I can already tell they will be delicious! I do want to ask…is it 185 calories per shell?

      Reply
      • Sam

        October 12, 2020 at 4:37 pm

        I am so glad you enjoyed them so much, Megan!:)

        Reply
      • Diane

        March 25, 2021 at 12:07 am

        Yes per shell

        Reply
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    The author (Sam) in blue shirt holding donut Hi, I'm Sam! I'm dedicated to bringing you sweet, simple, and from-scratch dessert recipes. My life may or may not be controlled by my sweet tooth. Send help (or chocolate). Read more about me.

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