Baked Stuffed Jumbo Shells
Baked Stuffed Jumbo Shells feature tender pasta shells filled with a rich cheese mixture, baked in a flavorful tomato sauce. The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses creates a creamy, savory dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, offering comfort and satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the jumbo shells as directed on the box and drain well.
- Mix ricotta cheese, eggs, parsley, Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, and grated mozzarella cheese together.
- Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Fill each cooked shell with the ricotta cheese mixture.
- Pour enough Ragu chunky garden style sauce into the bottom of a baking dish to cover it.
- Lay the stuffed shells side by side in the sauce and drizzle more sauce over them.
- Cover the dish with foil.
- Bake in a 325°F oven for 1 hour.
- Heat the remaining sauce and set it on the table for additional serving if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a bit of grated mozzarella to the ricotta mixture. If you're out of Romano cheese, you can substitute it with additional Parmesan. To save time, use pre-made marinara sauce or make your own. When cooking the shells, be careful not to overcook them; they should be al dente since they will continue cooking in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked stuffed jumbo shells with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional grated Parmesan on top for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad and garlic bread. For a vegetarian option, consider serving alongside an Italian Zucchini Quiche for a delightful meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover baked stuffed jumbo shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, heating at 350°F until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Stuffed Jumbo Shells contains roughly 261 calories, with 16g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (131% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (70% of the Daily Value), and potassium (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1065mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ricotta filling a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When ready to use, fill the shells and bake as directed. This can save time on busy weeknights.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you're looking for a substitute, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth or even cream cheese mixed with a bit of milk to achieve a similar consistency. However, ricotta provides the best texture and flavor for this dish.
How can I freeze the stuffed shells?
To freeze, assemble the stuffed shells in the baking dish with sauce, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).