Stuffed Shells with Cheese

Name: Stuffed Shells with Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 giant pasta shells; 4 cups marinara sauce; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (optional)

Highlighted under: Home Comfort Food Recipes

When I make Stuffed Shells with Cheese, I feel like I’m giving my family a warm hug on a plate. The creamy cheese filling enveloped in tender pasta and topped with rich tomato sauce is a comfort food classic in our home. I love how this dish not only satisfies those cheesy cravings but also allows for creativity with different cheeses and herbs. It’s the perfect meal for gatherings or a cozy night in, and the best part is that it's easy to whip up, even on busy weeknights!

Created by

Megan Scott

Last updated on 2026-01-08T12:41:36.636Z

Every time I prepare Stuffed Shells with Cheese, I reminisce about the first time I tried them at a friend's dinner party. The delicious blend of cheeses was perfectly balanced by the robust tomato sauce, leaving everyone going back for seconds. I’ve tweaked the recipe over time to include a touch of garlic for depth and a sprinkle of fresh basil for brightness, and it has become a beloved family favorite.

One of my favorite tricks is to bake the shells uncovered for the last five minutes, allowing the cheese to brown nicely while creating a crispy layer on top. It adds an appealing texture contrast to the dish! This simple technique transforms it from ordinary to extraordinary.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich, creamy cheese filling that's irresistible
A delightful combination of flavors and textures
Perfect for gatherings and easy to customize

      

Tip for Perfect Pasta Shells

Cooking the giant pasta shells to the right texture is crucial for the success of this dish. I recommend boiling them just until al dente, which usually takes about 10-12 minutes, depending on the brand. This way, the shells will hold their shape when stuffed and baked. If you cook them too long, they may split open while filling or baking, leading to a messy presentation.

To prevent sticking after draining, toss the cooked shells lightly with a drizzle of olive oil. This simple step not only helps keep them separated but also adds a hint of flavor that complements the cheese filling beautifully.

Cheese Filling Variations

The cheese filling is the heart of these stuffed shells, and you can easily experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste. For a sharper flavor, consider adding crumbled feta or substituting part of the ricotta with goat cheese. I love using a mix of cheeses to create layers of flavor while keeping the filling creamy and enjoyable.

Herbs and spices also play a significant role in enhancing the cheese mixture. Besides fresh basil, you could incorporate chopped spinach for a vibrant color and added nutrition, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat. Just remember to adjust the salt accordingly if you're adding saltier cheeses.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips

If you're planning to make Stuffed Shells with Cheese ahead of time, you can prepare them up to the baking stage and refrigerate. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and they will stay fresh for about 1-2 days. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights while still serving a homemade meal.

For longer storage, prepare the stuffed shells and freeze them before baking. Place them in a freezer-safe dish and layer them with marinara sauce. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, bake directly from the freezer but add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time. This ensures they cook evenly and the cheese filling becomes beautifully melted.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious Stuffed Shells with Cheese!

For the Shells:

12 giant pasta shells
4 cups marinara sauce

For the Cheese Filling:

1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (optional)

With these simple ingredients, you're ready to prepare your Stuffed Shells!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Stuffed Shells with Cheese!

Prepare the Pasta

Cook the giant pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, ensuring they do not stick together.

Make the Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and fresh basil if using. Mix well until smooth and creamy.

Stuff the Shells

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take each pasta shell and fill it generously with the cheese filling, placing the stuffed shells in a baking dish.

Add Marinara Sauce

Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well covered.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. For a golden top, uncover the dish and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Serve

Once done, let the dish cool slightly before serving. Top with extra basil or cheese if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Stuffed Shells with Cheese!

Pro Tips

To add a little kick, consider mixing in some crushed red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce. Also, feel free to swap cheeses based on your preference—experimenting is part of the fun!

Serving Suggestions

While stuffed shells are delightful on their own, pairing them with a side salad can enhance the meal's freshness. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the cheese beautifully. Alternatively, garlic bread is a classic accompaniment that allows you to mop up any leftover marinara sauce.

For a comforting twist, serve the shells topped with a layer of additional shredded mozzarella halfway through baking. This makes them extra cheesy and appealing, creating a bubbly, golden crust that everyone will want to dig into.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your stuffed shells are falling apart during baking, it could be that they were overcooked. Be mindful of the pasta cooking time, and ensure they’re filled generously but not overstuffed. This helps prevent splitting and allows for a perfect bake without losing any filling.

Another common issue is that the cheese filling may become too watery, especially if you use fresh ricotta. To tackle this, I recommend draining the ricotta in a fine mesh sieve for about 30 minutes before mixing. This eliminates excess moisture, providing a creamier, richer filling.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the shells and refrigerate them before baking. Just add a few minutes to the baking time if they're cold from the fridge.

→ What other fillings can I use?

You can use combinations of different cheeses like feta or goat cheese, or even add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for variety!

→ Can I freeze stuffed shells?

Absolutely! Assemble them and cover well before freezing. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and follow the baking instructions.

→ How do I reheat leftover stuffed shells?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until heated through, or in the microwave on medium power.