This easy cheese Stuffed Shells Recipe is certain to become a family favorite. You can enjoy it as a main course or a side dish with your favorite Italian inspired entrées.

Filling and Delicious Easy Stuffed Shells

These stuffed shells are vegetarian skipping the meat by design. While we’re carnivores at our house and love including meat at most every meal in some form, there are times we’re okay switching things up. These cheese stuffed shells fit the bill without sacrificing the rich feel of classic Italian food. How are stuffed shells different from manicotti? They’re quite similar and only differ in shape and fillings. They’re satisfying without making you feel like something is missing. How to make Easy Spinach Stuffed Shells: (Scroll down for full printable recipe.)

Pasta – Boil pasta shells in salted water for half the time recommended on the box. Drain well. The shells finish cooking in the oven.
Filling – In a medium size mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to whip together ricotta, cream cheese, pesto, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, pepper flakes and eggs just until fully combined.
Cheese – Mix in shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese with parsley by hand.
Assemble the Shells – Pour 2 cups marinara sauce in bottom of a 13×9-inch dish.
Divide filling between the shells and arrange side by side in the dish seam side up.
Drizzle tops with remaining marinara sauce then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 30-40 minutes in a preheated 350°F oven until bubbly and the cheese is lightly golden.
Let stand for 5 minutes, then serve garnished with Italian parsley or fresh basil with a side salad and garlic bread.

How to Make the BEST Stuffed Shells Recipe

This recipe keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor. A few pro tips for your success:

Ingredients you’ll need to make homemade Stuffed Shells: Jumbo shells, ricotta cheese, chive and onion cream cheese, large eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian seasoning, basil pesto, granulated garlic, salt, shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped Italian parsley, crushed red pepper flakes and marinara sauce.
Kitchen tools you’ll need: Medium bowl, measuring cups and spoons, sharp knife and chopping board, large spoon or silicone spatula, 13×9-inch baking dish or pan, cheese grater and pasta pot. You could also use a 12-inch oven safe skillet.
You can use your favorite brand of marinara sauce for this recipe. Depending on the flavor, it gives you the opportunity to expand the flavor profile to suit your taste.
These shells can be fully assembled one day in advance, covered in plastic wrap and chilled until you’re ready to bake them.
When assembling the cheese stuffed shells in advance, give them 15 minutes or so on the counter to come to room temperature before baking.
For the best end result, make certain the shells are cooked just to al dente to start with, so they’ll maintain their texture after baking.
This recipe is designed for quick prep and utilizes a good jarred spaghetti sauce. It’s imperative that you choose a good quality sauce and one that you enjoy. Don’t skimp on flavor.
Stuffed Shells Variations: You may opt to add one pound of cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the filling.
Can you make stuffed shells without ricotta? Yes, you can. You can replace it with more cream cheese or use cottage cheese instead.
I highly recommend having available additional warmed marinara sauce on the side for those who may like to drizzle their shells with a little more.
Storage and Leftovers: Store baked Stuffed Shells in an airtight container or covered tightly with foil chilled in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat stuffed shells in single servings in the microwave, in an air fryer or a baking dish in a 350°F oven just until heated through.
Can you freeze stuffed shells? You can freeze pasta shells either before or after baking. Store them in a freezer safe container and thaw in the fridge. If unbaked, wait to cover with sauce just before baking.

More Italian Inspired Recipes to Make

When it comes to the flavors you find in many Italian dishes, I find that they only become more robust the longer they have stand or chill time to marry. This makes them ideal for make ahead preparation, having dinner ready to go when you’re ready to eat. A few other recipes you may like to try:

Family style Italian Sausage Stromboli.
Cozy up to a bowl of Lasagna Soup for supper.
Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Shells is packed with flavor and so simple to make.
Spaghetti and Meatballs is a classic done right.
Braised Italian Pot Roast melts in your mouth.
Beef and Spinach Stuffed Shells is a holiday favorite you can enjoy all year long.
Creamy Garlic Shells from Iowa Girl Eats.

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