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Looking to create a hearty, cheesy, and simple dinner that the whole family will love? Cheesy Stuffed Shells Bake is your answer! It’s packed with creamy ricotta, bubbling mozzarella, and classic Italian flavors. This easy recipe is the solution to busy evenings and fussy eaters, and best of all, it’s budget-friendly.
Table of Contents
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking pan – 9×13-inch pan
- Mixing bowls – mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons – set
- Chef’s knives – chef’s knives
- Cutting board – cutting board
Each of these tools makes meal prep simple. Find quality options via our trusted Amazon recommendations.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Jumbo pasta shells | 24, cooked |
| Ricotta cheese | 15 oz |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 3 cups |
| Grated parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Italian seasoning | 2 tsp |
| Egg | 1 |
| Marinara sauce | 3 cups |
| Parsley (chopped) | 2 tbsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Cooking spray | As needed |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and coat a 9″x13″ baking pan with cooking spray.
- Spread 1.5 cups of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, 1.5 cups mozzarella, Italian seasoning, egg, salt, pepper, and parmesan. Stir until smooth.
- Fill each shell with the cheese mix, arranging them in the baking dish.
- Spoon the remaining sauce over the shells and top with remaining mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 minutes more, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shells
- Cook the shells al dente; they’ll finish in the oven and won’t fall apart.
- Use a piping bag or zip-top bag to easily fill each shell.
- Add cooked spinach or ground beef for extra nutrition or protein.
- For an extra crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Equipment Section
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Cheesy Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the shells and refrigerate for up to a day. Add 10 minutes to the baking time when ready.
Are these freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Prepare through step 5, wrap tightly, and freeze unbaked. Bake from frozen at 350°F for 40-45 minutes.
How to reheat leftovers?
Warm individual portions in the microwave or the oven at 350°F until hot.
Can I add meat?
Definitely. Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken to the ricotta mix.
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PrintCheesy Stuffed Shells Bake : Family Dinner Favorite (Quick & Easy)
Classic cheesy stuffed shells filled with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, baked in rich marinara sauce. Perfect family-friendly Italian dinner that’s easy to make and budget-friendly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Pasta, Italian
- Method: Baking, Oven
- Cuisine: Italian, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
24 jumbo pasta shells, cooked according to package directions
15 ounces ricotta cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided use
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 egg
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
3 cups marinara sauce, divided use
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
Cooking spray
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a 9″x13″ baking pan with cooking spray.
2. Spread 1 1/2 cups of the marinara sauce in an even layer in the bottom of the pan.
3. Place the ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, egg, salt, pepper and parmesan cheese in a bowl. Stir to combine.
4. Fill each shell with the ricotta mixture and place in the baking dish.
5. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, then sprinkle the other 1 1/2 cups of cheese over the top.
6. Cover the dish with foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Uncover the pan, then bake for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and starting to brown.
7. Sprinkle with parsley, then serve.
Notes
Tip: Cook pasta shells al dente as they will continue cooking in the oven.
Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10 minutes to bake time.
Freezer friendly: Assemble through step 5, wrap tightly and freeze. Bake from frozen at 350°F for 40-45 minutes.
Variations: Add cooked spinach, ground beef, or Italian sausage to the cheese filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
Serving suggestion: Pair with garlic bread and Caesar salad for a complete Italian meal.