Jumbo Stuffed Shells
Are you looking for a pasta dish that always brings a smile to the faces of children and grownups alike? Something that is classic and comforting, the perfect meal to end any sort of day?? Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe with Marinara. BOOM. Stuffed Shells are simple. Completely void of elegance. Yet this humble dish delivers a big impact on the dinner table!
Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe
This Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe is creamy, cheesy, savory, and offers a touch of spice. I’d bet money even your pickiest eaters will ask for seconds. Plus, our Easy Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe is quick to make. My kids love to chip in and fill the pasta shells for me as I whip up fresh marinara sauce. But don’t worry… In a pinch, you can definitely use your favorite jarred marinara sauce.
Ingredients for Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Jumbo pasta shells – Jumbo shells can be filled properly Homemade marinara – Or store-bought, like Rao filled with Italian seasoning! Ricotta cheese Parmesan cheese Mozzarella cheese Egg Italian parsley Fresh rosemary – In a pinch, you can use dried rosemary. Nutmeg Crushed red pepper Salt and black pepper
How To Make Stuffed Shells
Making Ricotta Stuffed Shells is so easy. Even your non-cooking spouse could do it!
No-Boil Stuffed Shells Recipe
Do you have to boil the pasta before baking it? Not exactly… Boiling the pasta is the quickest method to ensure the pasta, filling, and sauce come out perfectly. However, if your oven takes a bit of time to preheat, you can soak the pasta in very hot tap water, instead of boiling it. Fill a bowl with hot salted tap water and let the pasta soak for 20-25 minutes while the oven preheats and you make the cheese filling. Then drain the pasta shells before filling. Baked Dried? Some old lasagna and baked pasta recipes suggest you can skip boiling (or soaking) the pasta altogether, by adding 1 cup of water to the baking dish with dried pasta. I don’t recommend trying this with stuffed shells. The water will cause the filling to leak out and turn runny before it is fully absorbed.
Easy Stuffed Shells In The Crockpot
Believe it or not, you can make this amazing Stuffed Shells Recipe in a Slow Cooker! To make Crockpot Stuffed Shells, you do need to boil or soak the pasta as directed. Then stuff the shells, place them in a large slow cooker, and cover them with marinara and cheese. Set the slow cooker on low, and cook for 5-7 hours.
Step by Step Instructions to Make Classic Stuffed Shells
Serving Suggestions
Serve your cheesy stuffed shells on their own or with a plethora of sides, especially if you’re feeding a crowd! Here are some of my favorites to pair with vegetarian stuffed shells:
Garlic Bread Caesar Salad Cheesy Pull Apart Bread Breadsticks 15 Bean Salad
Tips & Tricks
Add some spinach! You can add chopped spinach for spinach ricotta stuffed shells! Use your favorite store-bought pasta sauce, or make your own homemade marinara! These stuffed shells are vegetarian, but if you prefer you can add a meat sauce instead! Add ground beef, ground chicken, or ground pork to the sauce. Don’t skimp on the cheese! The beauty of these shells is the combination of three cheeses that adds so much flavor!
Can You Freeze Stuffed Shells?
This Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe is easy to freeze. Try making a double or triple batch. Then wrap the pans and put them in the freezer (unbaked) for another night. You’ll be so glad you did! When you are ready to use them, you can thaw and bake each dish for 25-30 minutes, or place the frozen dish in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Ricotta Stuffed Shells for the win!
How Long Do Leftovers Last?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container, in the refrigerator, for 3 to 5 days.
Do I Have To Use Marinara Sauce in a Jar?
If want to make your own Homemade Marinara tomato sauce? Use my recipe for Homemade Marinara Sauce; it’s delicious!
Can I Add Protein?
Classic stuffed shells don’t usually contain meat, but you can totally add some if you’d like! You can cook ground Italian sausage, ground beef, or even ground turkey and add it to the cheese mixture. Or you can mix it into the marinara.
More Comforting Stuffed Shells Recipes
Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells Easy Enchilada Stuffed Shells Avocado Pesto Stuffed Shells
More STUFFED Recipes You Will Love
Muffuletta Stuffed Chicken Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Confetti Quinoa Stuffed Chicken Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Peppers Slow Cooker Pizza Stuffed Peppers
Check the printable recipe card below for the nutrition information including calories, carbohydrates, protein, sodium, and fiber percentages. Share This Recipe With Friends!
