Name: Lasagna Stuffed Shells Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 20 jumbo pasta shells; 1½ cups ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

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If you love all the comforting, cheesy goodness of traditional lasagna but want something a bit different and easier to serve, this Lasagna Stuffed Shells Recipe is going to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. Imagine jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a luscious mixture of creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and a touch of Parmesan, all bathed in rich marinara sauce and baked to bubbling perfection. Every bite captures the essence of classic Italian flavors in a perfectly portable pasta pocket, making it both fun and satisfying to eat. Trust me, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your family’s hearts with joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A metal tray on a white marbled surface holds all the ingredients arranged neatly. At the top left, a white bowl filled with large yellow pasta shells sits next to a whole brown onion and a large pile of raw red ground meat on the tray. Below the onion and meat, a bowl full of bright green fresh spinach leaves is topped with two whole orange carrots. A large piece of white mozzarella cheese and a bowl of white ricotta cheese with three cloves of garlic rest nearby. On the left side of the tray, a simple glass pitcher filled with smooth red tomato sauce sits near small glass containers holding light brown broth, golden olive oil, cream, black balsamic vinegar, green dried herbs, white salt, and black pepper. All the items are arranged clearly and evenly spaced. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple, fresh, and come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture in this dish. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect creamy, cheesy filling and savory sauce that makes this recipe truly special.

20 jumbo pasta shells: The perfect size to stuff and hold all that delicious filling without falling apart.
1½ cups ricotta: Creamy and mild, this cheese creates a dreamy, smooth filling base.
1 cup mozzarella, shredded: Adds stretchy, melty goodness that everyone loves.
¼ cup Parmesan: Packed with umami, this cheese deepens the flavor and adds a subtle saltiness.
2 cups marinara sauce: A rich, flavorful tomato sauce that keeps the shells moist and tender.
1 egg: Helps bind the filling together so it holds its shape after baking.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds a fragrant, savory note to the cheese mixture.
Salt & pepper: Essential for balancing the flavors and making every bite pop.

How to Make Lasagna Stuffed Shells Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Pasta Shells

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Then, cook your jumbo pasta shells in boiling salted water just until al dente—firm enough to hold but soft enough to stuff easily. Drain them and set aside, taking care not to break the shells as they will be the little vessels holding all that cheesy goodness.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine ricotta, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, one beaten egg, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir until the mixture is creamy and evenly blended. This mixture is the heart of the Lasagna Stuffed Shells Recipe, bringing that signature cheesy and herbaceous flavor.

Step 3: Stuff the Shells

Carefully fill each pasta shell with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture. Be generous because you want every bite to be packed with that luscious filling. Arrange the stuffed shells snugly in a baking dish, forming a nice layer for even cooking.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, making sure every one is covered with that vibrant red sauce. Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella on top for extra cheesiness and bake the dish in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.

How to Serve Lasagna Stuffed Shells Recipe

The image shows two large pasta shells filled with a rich meat sauce, placed on a white plate. The pasta is a light golden yellow with ridged textures, sitting side by side in the center of the plate. Each shell is topped with melted white cheese and sprinkled with chopped green herbs. There are small drops of sauce spilling slightly onto the white marbled surface underneath the plate. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the pasta shells as the main focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkling of chopped parsley add a burst of color and freshness that brightens the rich flavors beautifully. A little extra grated Parmesan on top just before serving never hurts either—adds that lovely salty finish and makes the dish look irresistible.

Side Dishes

This baked pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the shells. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette are also excellent choices to scoop up any extra marinara sauce and cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, you could place each stuffed shell on individual plates topped with a spoonful of sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Alternatively, bake the shells in small, oven-safe ramekins for personal portions that make an elegant presentation for dinner parties or special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Lasagna Stuffed Shells Recipe leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more, making for an even tastier meal the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the stuffed shells before baking by arranging them in a single layer on a lined tray, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe container. Alternatively, freeze the fully assembled and baked dish for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. If reheating individual portions, the microwave works well—just add a splash of marinara to keep it moist during warming.

FAQs

Can I add meat to this Lasagna Stuffed Shells Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground beef, sausage, or even turkey can be browned and mixed into the marinara sauce or cheese filling to add a hearty touch. It’s a great way to customize the dish to your preferences.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Swap out the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for vegan cheese alternatives, and use a plant-based egg replacer if desired. There are many delicious dairy-free cheeses that melt beautifully in this dish.

How do I prevent the shells from sticking to the pan?

Grease your baking dish lightly with olive oil or non-stick spray before arranging the stuffed shells. This keeps them from sticking and makes serving easier.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can stuff the shells and assemble everything in the baking dish a day ahead, then refrigerate. When ready, just bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if baked straight from the fridge.

What kind of marinara sauce is best for this recipe?

A good quality, flavorful marinara sauce is key. You can make your own or pick a favorite store-bought sauce with a robust tomato flavor and fresh herbs to complement the cheesy filling.

Final Thoughts

This Lasagna Stuffed Shells Recipe is truly a joy to make and eat. It brings all the nostalgic flavors of classic lasagna into an easier, more approachable dish that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that perfect comfort food feeling in every bite. Happy cooking!