Want to amaze your dinner companions or spoil yourself with a sumptuous homemade meal? Stuffed jumbo shells are the perfect solution! These large pasta shells are far more impressive than their smaller counterparts and are loaded with a heavenly mixture of cheese and cream. With minimal effort and some baking time, you can effortlessly whip up a gourmet dish that will delight and impress everyone who tastes it.

What Do You Need To Make Stuffed Jumbo Shells?

Jumbo pasta shells: The recipe’s standout component is the jumbo pasta shells, which provide the dish with its signature taste.

Ricotta cheese: Creaminess and a touch of luxury are infused into the dish with the addition of ricotta cheese, which serves as the filling’s core component.

Spinach: Adding spinach to the filling not only enhances its visual appeal but also amplifies its nutritional value, making it a healthier and more colorful option.

Parmesan cheese: The inclusion of Parmesan cheese into the filling introduces a distinct and appetizing nutty and savory flavor.

Egg: Eggs contribute to the binding of the filling and provide an extra dose of moisture.

Garlic: The filling’s taste is elevated by introducing garlic, which contributes a robust and savory flavor.

Salt and pepper: The addition of salt and pepper as seasonings can augment the taste of the filling by emphasizing its natural flavors.

Marinara sauce: A deliciously tangy and rich taste is infused into the stuffed shells when they are baked in marinara sauce, making it an essential component of the dish.

Mozzarella cheese: Melting mozzarella cheese onto the shells is the norm, as it brings a delightful and velvety texture to the table.

How to Make Stuffed Jumbo Shells

Boil the jumbo shells based on the directions given on the packaging.

Afterward, drain them and rinse them with cold water.

Next, in a spacious bowl, mix ricotta cheese, spinach, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper thoroughly.

To start the procedure, heat up your oven to 375°F and coat the base of a baking dish that measures 9×13 inches with a layer of marinara sauce.

Then, pack the ricotta mixture into each jumbo shell and place them in the baking dish.

Add the remaining marinara sauce to cover the top of the shells, and then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.

Encase the dish with a layer of foil and bake it in the oven for a duration of 25 minutes.

Once you’ve removed the foil, keep baking the food for 10-15 more minutes or until the cheese becomes bubbly and melted.

Give the shells a couple of minutes to cool down before serving.

Tips for stuffed pasta shells

In order to streamline the cooking process for this dish, consider utilizing a pre-packaged marinara sauce rather than creating your own.
If you want to be more efficient, you can make the stuffing ahead of time and place it in the refrigerator until you’re prepared to fill the shells.
If you happen to lack large shells, don’t worry. You can substitute them with regular-sized shells or lasagna noodles and make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

The step-by-step instructions for stuffed jumbo shells recipe can be found in the recipe card below

Questions And Answers About stuffed jumbo shells

pasta shells stuffed Variations

To vary the filling, mix in other ingredients such as chopped mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or cooked sausage.

Altering the flavor profile of the dish is possible by incorporating diverse cheeses like asiago, fontina, or gouda.

If you want a healthier twist on our dish, opt for whole wheat pasta shells and low-fat ricotta cheese as an alternative.

Have a look at our other pasta recipes, how about Best BLT Pasta Salad Recipe or CREAMY CAJUN SHRIMP PASTA

What Do You Serve With Stuffed Pasta Shells?

Not only do stuffed jumbo shells make for a satisfying main course, but they can also be accompanied by a side salad or garlic bread for a well-rounded meal.

Can You Freeze Jumbo Shells for Stuffed Shells?

Definitely! First, prepare the shells as per the recipe and let them cool completely. After that, put the shells in an airtight container and freeze them for a maximum of three months. When you want to eat them, defrost the shells in the fridge overnight and cook them as usual.

How Do You Store Stuffed Jumbo Shells?

Whenever you have some extra stuffed shells that you’d like to keep, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for no more than three days. If you need to reheat them, move them to a baking dish and cover them with foil, then bake them in a preheated oven set to 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until they are hot all the way through.

Calories in the Recipe

Generally, a serving of jumbo shells that are stuffed with filling (comprising 3-4 shells) encompasses roughly 400-500 calories.

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