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A spoon holding up stuffed shells filled with cheese.
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Classic Stuffed Shells

These stuffed shells are filled with three types of cheese, then covered in marinara sauce and more cheese and baked to golden brown perfection. A comfort food classic that's great for feeding a crowd!
Course Main
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 488kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 24 jumbo pasta shells cooked according to package directions
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided use
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups marinara sauce divided use
  • 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
  • cooking spray

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a 9"x13" baking pan with cooking spray.
  • Spread 1 1/2 cups of the marinara sauce in an even layer in the bottom of the pan.
  • Place the ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, egg, salt, pepper and parmesan cheese in a bowl. Stir to combine.
  • Fill each shell with the ricotta mixture and place in the baking dish.
  • Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, then sprinkle the other 1 1/2 cups of cheese over the top.
  • Cover the dish with foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Uncover the pan, then bake for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and starting to brown.
  • Sprinkle with parsley, then serve.

Video

Notes

  1. Be sure to undercook your shells by 1-2 minutes because they will continue to cook when they go into the oven. You want your shells to be a little more firm than al dente when you fill them.
  2. I prefer to use whole milk ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, but if you're looking to save a few calories, you can use part skim.
  3. Skip the pre-shredded bags of cheese and grate your own instead. I find that the pre-grated cheeses at the store tend to be coated with anti-caking agents and preservatives, and do not melt as smoothly.

Nutrition

Calories: 488kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 115mg | Sodium: 1193mg | Potassium: 630mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1460IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 561mg | Iron: 3mg