Stuffed Shells - Cheese Filled
Creamy cheese-stuffed jumbo shells baked in flavorful spaghetti sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or entertaining guests with rich, cheesy flavors and hearty textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the jumbo shells according to package directions and drain.
- Cool the shells on wax paper to prevent sticking.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, eggs, chopped parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each shell with 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture.
- Spread half of the spaghetti sauce in a baking dish.
- Place stuffed shells in the sauce, then top with remaining sauce.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 40 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a bit of cream cheese to the ricotta mixture. If you prefer a bit more flavor, use fresh basil instead of parsley. You can also substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if you're looking for a lighter option. To prevent the shells from breaking, handle them gently when filling. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian Spinach With Egg.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed shells hot, garnished with extra parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. They make a wonderful main dish and can be complemented with a simple side salad or garlic bread. For a complete meal, consider pairing with a light vegetable dish like Venetian-style sautéed greens or a classic Casserole Of Noodles Italian Style.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stuffed shells in an oven-safe dish covered with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Shells - Cheese Filled contains roughly 1177 calories, with 39g protein, 142g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (94% of the Daily Value), protein (77% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (71% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 919mg per serving (40% 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 shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Just cover them tightly with foil to prevent drying out. If you want to freeze them, assemble the shells and freeze before baking, then add extra baking time when cooking from frozen.
What type of sauce should I use?
A classic marinara sauce works great for stuffed shells, but feel free to use a homemade sauce or a store-bought variety that you enjoy. For a richer flavor, you can mix in some sautéed mushrooms or ground meat into the sauce before layering it with the shells.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! You can mix in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even finely chopped zucchini to the cheese filling for added nutrition. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture from the vegetables to avoid a watery filling. This makes the dish not only delicious but also a great option for vegetarian recipes.
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).