Forktionary

Baked Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe

Experience the irresistible taste of authentic Italian comfort food with our Baked Stuffed Pasta Shells! This crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress. Tender pasta shells are generously filled with a creamy cheese mixture and smothered in rich spaghetti sauce. Easy to make, yet bursting with flavor, these stuffed shells are guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Get ready for a delicious and satisfying meal!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 55 mins
Calories 397.5 kcal
Protein 46g
Rating 4.6 (119 Reviews)
Baked Stuffed Pasta Shells 114

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Baked Stuffed Pasta Shells

  • 1 (12 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 3/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • Nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 (24 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
  • fresh basil, for garnish
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

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How to Make Baked Stuffed Pasta Shells

  1. Bring 8 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add jumbo pasta shells and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. Gently place the cooked shells open-side down on paper towels to drain excess water.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1 egg, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well.
  4. Reserve 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese for topping.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  6. Spread a thin layer (about 1/2 cup) of your favorite spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a 12x9x2 inch baking dish.
  7. Spoon the cheese mixture into each pasta shell. Place the filled shells open-side up in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
  8. Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce (about 2 cups) evenly over the stuffed shells.
  9. Loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
  10. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
  11. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
  12. Sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
  13. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown.
  14. Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

16 g

Sugar

10g

Fat

58g

Carbs

10g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Main Courses Main Dish / Dinner European Italian Vegetarian Baking

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Occasion Main Dish Eggs Dairy Pasta Oven Easy European Beginner Cook Potluck Kid Friendly Vegetarian Italian Cheese Dietary One Dish Meal High Calcium Inexpensive High In Something Pasta Rice And Grains Pasta Shells Taste Mood Savory To Go Equipment