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!
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:
20 jumbo shells¹
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).
3 cups marinara sauce²
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.
15 oz ricotta cheese, 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese, 4 oz cream cheese, 1 large egg, 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon sea salt, ½ teaspoon ground pepper, 1 large garlic clove
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!
Video
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 tear²You 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