Description
This classic Italian-inspired dish features jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan filling, baked in a rich spaghetti sauce, and topped with melty cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep!
Ingredients
- Jumbo pasta shells (about 20-25 shells)
- 4 cups spaghetti sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ Cook the pasta: Boil the jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
3️⃣ Prepare the cheese filling: In a large bowl, mix together ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and garlic until well combined.
4️⃣ Assemble the dish: Spread a thin layer of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5️⃣ Stuff the shells: Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, fill each jumbo shell with the cheese mixture and place them in the baking dish seam-side up.
6️⃣ Add sauce & cheese: Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are all covered. Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top.
7️⃣ Bake covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8️⃣ Finish baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
9️⃣ Cool & serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley or basil, if desired. Enjoy your cheesy stuffed jumbo shells!
Notes
- Make it extra creamy by adding ½ cup of cream cheese to the ricotta mixture.
- Want a meaty version? Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the spaghetti sauce.
- Use different cheeses: Try adding provolone, asiago, or fontina for extra flavor.
- Meal prep & freezer-friendly: Assemble the shells, cover, and freeze before baking. When ready, bake from frozen at 375°F for 45 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6