Jumbo Shells With Cheese Stuffing(Recipe Served At Club Meetings)
Creamy cheese-stuffed jumbo shells baked in rich spaghetti sauce, perfect for family dinners or club meetings, offering comforting flavors and cheesy goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook jumbo shells as directed.
- Drain and dry in a single layer on paper towels.
- Combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, beaten eggs, salt, chopped parsley, crushed oregano, and pepper in a bowl.
- Fill each shell with 2 tablespoons of cheese mixture.
- Spread 1/3 of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange stuffed shells in the dish over the sauce.
- Pour remaining spaghetti sauce over the shells.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes or until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, mix in some ricotta with cream cheese or sour cream. If you’re short on time, substitute with pre-made cheese fillings or use store-bought marinara sauce for convenience. Fresh basil can be a delightful addition to the filling for extra flavor. Be sure to cook the shells al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the jumbo shells with a fresh side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving enhances the flavor. These stuffed shells also pair beautifully with Italian recipes like Oven Baked Spaghetti for a delightful feast. For a vegetarian twist, consider adding sautéed vegetables to the filling.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish with a splash of water or extra sauce, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. This helps prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jumbo Shells With Cheese Stuffing(Recipe Served At Club Meetings) contains roughly 757 calories, with 23g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), iron (61% of the Daily Value), and calcium (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1518mg per serving (66% 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 freeze the stuffed shells before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed shells before baking. Assemble them in the baking dish with sauce, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese, well-drained cottage cheese is an excellent substitute. You can also blend cream cheese with a bit of milk to achieve a similar texture. Both options will work well in this recipe, providing a creamy consistency.
How do I make the shells less sticky after cooking?
To prevent jumbo shells from sticking together after cooking, rinse them briefly under cold water after draining. Tossing them with a small amount of olive oil can also help keep them separate. Lay them out in a single layer on paper towels until ready to fill.
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).