Cheesy Stuffed Jumbo Shells Recipe

Looking for the ultimate cheesy stuffed jumbo shells recipe? These baked pasta shells are loaded with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and flavorful Italian herbs, then baked in rich spaghetti sauce until bubbly and golden. This easy comfort food recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, potlucks, or cozy family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Shells Recipe

• Easy and beginner-friendly
• Packed with creamy Italian cheese flavor
• Perfect make-ahead freezer meal
• Great vegetarian dinner option
• Kid-approved comfort food
• Restaurant-style baked pasta at home

Ingredients

• 1 package jumbo pasta shells, boiled until al dente
• 1 jar spaghetti sauce or marinara sauce
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, basil, thyme, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix until creamy and fully combined.

Step 2: Stuff the Jumbo Shells

Spread a layer of spaghetti sauce into the bottom of a baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, fill each cooked jumbo shell with the cheese mixture and place them into the sauce.

Top the stuffed shells with the remaining mozzarella cheese and additional sauce if desired.

Step 3: Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Stuffed Shells

• Cook pasta shells just until al dente to prevent tearing.
• Let the shells cool slightly before stuffing.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for richer flavor.
• Add spinach to the filling for extra nutrition.
• For extra cheesy baked shells, add more mozzarella on top before baking.

Delicious Variations

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Add 1 cup of chopped spinach to the cheese mixture for a healthy twist.

Meat Lovers Stuffed Shells

Mix cooked ground beef or Italian sausage into the spaghetti sauce.

Spicy Italian Version

Add red pepper flakes or spicy marinara sauce for heat.

Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Swap marinara for creamy Alfredo sauce for a rich and indulgent pasta dinner.

Benefits of This Recipe

This baked stuffed shells recipe is rich in protein and calcium thanks to the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. It’s also a satisfying comfort meal that can easily be customized with vegetables or lean proteins for a balanced dinner.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.