Imagine diving into a plate of perfectly stuffed pasta shells, oozing with three types of melted cheese and smothered in rich marinara sauce. These Cheese Filled Jumbo Shells are not just a meal—they're a culinary experience that transforms an ordinary dinner into a restaurant-worthy feast. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate foodie, this Italian-inspired dish promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it the perfect weeknight dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 box jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the shells and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish to prevent shells from sticking.
- Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture, ensuring they are generously stuffed but not overflowing.
- Arrange the filled shells in a single layer in the baking dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the shells.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top of the shells.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set and cool slightly.
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Tips
- Cook pasta shells just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy when baked
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother cheese filling
- Don't overstuff the shells—aim for a generous but neat filling
- For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or chopped fresh herbs to the cheese mixture
- Let the dish rest after baking to allow the cheese to set and make serving easier
- If you want a crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes after baking
- Shells can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking, making them perfect for meal prep
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
