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Homemade Stuffed Shells photo

Stuffed Shells

Large pasta shells are stuffed with a creamy ricotta and cheese mixture, topped with marinara, and baked until bubbly.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 12 oz package jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 16 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp salt to taste
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 2 1/2-3 cups pasta sauce such as spaghetti, pizza, or tomato-basil

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • 9x13 Baking Dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium bowl
  • Colander
  • Spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil, add the jumbo shells, and cook 8–10 minutes until al dente; drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the beaten egg, ricotta, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, dried basil, salt, and black pepper; mix until well combined.
  4. Spoon about half of the pasta sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
  5. Stuff each cooked shell with the ricotta mixture and arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish on top of the sauce (about 18–20 shells).
  6. In a medium bowl, stir the remaining sauce together with the reserved mozzarella and Parmesan, then pour this cheese-sauce mixture evenly over the stuffed shells.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, until the edges are bubbly and the filling is set.

Notes

  • Use fresh or pre-shredded cheeses as preferred.
  • Do not overcook shells; they should be al dente before stuffing.
  • Adjust salt to taste depending on cheese saltiness.
  • Allow to rest a few minutes before serving to set.