Stuffed Pasta
Cheesy stuffed pasta shells baked in a flavorful tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this dish combines creamy ricotta with fresh parsley and optional pesto for a delicious, hearty meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook and drain pasta shells as directed on the package.
- Spread spaghetti sauce in an ungreased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Mix ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, pepper, and eggs.
- Fill each cooked pasta shell with about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture.
- Arrange the filled shells on the spaghetti sauce in the baking dish.
- Cover and bake for approximately 45 minutes or until hot.
- Serve with pesto if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding some fresh spinach or chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the cheese mixture. If you're out of ricotta, cottage cheese can be a suitable substitute. For a twist, try using different cheeses like goat cheese or feta. Make sure to cook the pasta shells al dente so they hold their shape when stuffed and baked.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed pasta shells can be served as a hearty main dish, complemented by a simple green salad or garlic bread. Drizzle with additional pesto before serving for extra flavor. They pair beautifully with Italian recipes like Lasagne Swirls or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stuffed pasta in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Pasta contains roughly 622 calories, with 35g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (307% of the Daily Value), protein (71% of the Daily Value), and calcium (64% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 946mg per serving (41% 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 stuffed pasta shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed pasta shells a day in advance. Just cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. This can enhance the flavors as they meld together overnight.
What can I use instead of spaghetti sauce?
You can substitute spaghetti sauce with marinara, homemade tomato sauce, or even Alfredo sauce for a creamier base. Each option will change the flavor profile, so choose one that complements your stuffed pasta well.
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).