Stuffed Cheese Shells
Creamy stuffed cheese shells filled with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, baked in marinara sauce. Perfect comfort food for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine eggs, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the mixture into each cooked jumbo shell.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Top the shells with spaghetti sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes or until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a bit of ricotta cheese to the mixture. If you're out of fresh parsley, dried parsley can work in a pinch. To enhance flavor, add some Italian seasoning or garlic powder. If you prefer a spicy kick, mix in some crushed red pepper flakes. Remember to cook the jumbo shells al dente, as they will continue to soften while baking.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed cheese shells pair beautifully with a side of Pasta Caesar Salad for a refreshing contrast. You can also serve them with garlic bread and a simple green salad dressed with Italian Dressing For Veggies. For a complete meal, consider adding a light dessert such as Cream Cheese Cake(Italian) to finish off the dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed cheese shells should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in an oven-safe dish with a bit of extra spaghetti sauce or a splash of water, cover with foil, and heat in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Cheese Shells contains roughly 12 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
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 prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they are heated through.
What type of sauce works best for these stuffed shells?
A classic marinara or spaghetti sauce works wonderfully with stuffed cheese shells. You can use store-bought or homemade sauce, like Quick Lo-Fat Herb Spaghetti Sauce, for a healthier option. Feel free to add in some sautéed vegetables or meat to the sauce for added flavor.
Can I freeze stuffed cheese shells?
Yes, stuffed cheese shells can be frozen! Assemble the dish but do not bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months. To cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding extra time if needed.
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).