Best 11 Cheesy Stuffed Shells Recipes

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Cheesy stuffed shells are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special occasion dinner. The shells are typically filled with a mixture of ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and spices, and then baked in a tomato sauce. This dish can be easily customized to suit your own taste preferences. For example, you can add different types of cheeses, vegetables, or meats to the filling. You can also adjust the amount of tomato sauce used to make the dish more or less saucy. No matter how you choose to prepare them, cheesy stuffed shells are sure to be a hit!

Here are our top 11 tried and tested recipes!

CHEESY SPINACH-STUFFED SHELLS



Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Shells image

This is my own personal recipe. I'm very proud of it because I am still a beginner cook and it was the first recipe I created. You can adjust it to your liking by doubling the spinach or adding some meat. -Laci Hooten, McKinney, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h30m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 package (12 ounces) jumbo pasta shells
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 small onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 carton (15 ounces) part-skim ricotta cheese
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 can (4-1/4 ounces) chopped ripe olives
1-1/2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend, divided
1-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
Additional minced fresh basil, optional

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°. Cook pasta shells according to package directions for al dente. Drain; rinse with cold water., Meanwhile, in a small skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and onion; cook and stir until vegetables are tender, 4-6 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Remove from heat; cool slightly., In a large bowl, mix eggs, ricotta cheese, spinach, basil and pepper. Stir in olives, mushroom mixture and 3/4 cup each cheese blend and mozzarella cheese., Spread 1 cup sauce into a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Fill pasta shells with cheese mixture; place in baking dish, overlapping ends slightly. Spoon remaining sauce over top., Bake, covered, until heated through, 40-45 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Bake until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes longer. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. If desired, sprinkle with additional basil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 313 calories, Fat 13g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 65mg cholesterol, Sodium 642mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

CHEESY STUFFED SHELLS



Cheesy Stuffed Shells image

This is a delicious baked pasta dish with large shells filled with meat, spinach and cheese that children always seem to love. It is kind of a 'spaghetti that behaves itself!'

Provided by Kimber

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (16 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells
½ pound Italian sausage
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach - thawed, drained and squeezed dry
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 egg
3 cloves garlic, crushed
½ lemon, juiced
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste
½ teaspoon dried oregano
2 cups spaghetti sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add shells and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain and rinse in cold water.
  • Place sausage in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until evenly brown. Drain and crumble. In a large bowl, combine cooked sausage, spinach, ricotta cheese, egg, garlic, lemon juice and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper and oregano.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Stuff pasta shells with the sausage and cheese mixture and place in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with spaghetti sauce and mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the pasta is heated through and the cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 461.2 calories, Carbohydrate 51.9 g, Cholesterol 69.1 mg, Fat 18.4 g, Fiber 4.4 g, Protein 21.9 g, SaturatedFat 7.8 g, Sodium 741.3 mg, Sugar 6.1 g

CHEESY MEATLESS STUFFED SHELLS



Cheesy Meatless Stuffed Shells image

Jumbo shells are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of Impossible™ burger plant-based ground protein, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, and ricotta cheese then topped with marinara and lots of cheese and baked up until golden and bubbly!

Provided by Pink Owl Kitchen

Categories     100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes     Vegetarian     Main Dishes     Pasta

Time 1h5m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 15

18 piece (blank)s jumbo pasta shells
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 (12 ounce) package meatless ground beef substitute (such as Impossible(TM) Foods)
1 (15 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
½ medium onion, diced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
salt and ground black pepper to taste
3 cups loosely packed fresh spinach
1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 large egg, beaten
1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning, or to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add shells and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 9 minutes.
  • While the shells are cooking, heat olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatless ground beef and cook and stir until brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, onion, garlic, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes; add spinach and simmer until spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes more. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat and mix in ricotta cheese and egg until fully incorporated.
  • Pour 1/2 cup marinara sauce into the bottom of a 12-inch cast iron skillet or a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread out with the back of a large spoon.
  • Drain cooked shells. Stuff each with about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the "meat" mixture. Arrange in the skillet or baking dish. Pour remaining marinara over the top. Sprinkle with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Sprinkle with remaining Italian seasoning and more black pepper.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is golden and bubbly, 35 to 45 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 668.8 calories, Carbohydrate 66.9 g, Cholesterol 75.6 mg, Fat 25.2 g, Fiber 7 g, Protein 28.9 g, SaturatedFat 10.2 g, Sodium 1379.3 mg, Sugar 13.7 g

CHEESY BEEF-STUFFED PASTA SHELLS



Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells image

Make and share this Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells recipe from Food.com.

Provided by ratherbeswimmin

Categories     Pasta Shells

Time 1h20m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

18 jumbo pasta shells
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup Italian style breadcrumbs
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 egg, beaten
1 dash pepper
salt
1 (15 1/2 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1/4 cup Burgundy wine or 1/4 cup dry red wine
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Prepare macaroni shells according to package directions; drain and set aside.
  • Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet until beef is browned.
  • Drain excess fat.
  • Stir in next 6 ingredients.
  • Set aside.
  • Combine spaghetti sauce and wine.
  • Spoon one-fourth of sauce into a lightly greased oblong baking pan; set aside remaining sauce.
  • Stuff macaroni shells with beef mixture, and place in baking dish.
  • Spoon remaining sauce over shells.
  • Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over shells.
  • Bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.

CHEESY CHICKEN & BROCCOLI STUFFED SHELLS



Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells image

Make and share this Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells recipe from Food.com.

Provided by OceanIvy

Categories     Chicken

Time 1h

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 (16 ounce) box jumbo pasta shells
2 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup chopped onion
2 (10 ounce) bags frozen broccoli, thawed &, well drained
1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
1 cup light cream or 1 cup half-and-half
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/4 cup butter
1 1/2 teaspoons instant chicken broth
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup flour
1 cup milk
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Cook shells as directed--don't overcook because they will cook in oven again.
  • Cool shells in a large bowl of COLD water; set aside for now.
  • Sauté onion in 2 tablespoons of butter until tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Combine broccoli, onion, mozzarella cheese, sour cream, egg and chicken; set aside.
  • Melt 1/4 cup butter in saucepan. Stir in flour, instant bouillon and pepper.
  • Stir in milk and cream; bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
  • Boil and stir 1 minute until thickened. Remove shells from water, strain and pat dry with paper towels.
  • Spread small amount of sauce on bottom of 2-quart rectangular baking dish.
  • Stuff each shell with broccoli and chicken mixture; put shells in dish.
  • Spoon remaining sauce over shells and sprinkle with Parmesan.
  • Bake 30-35 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

CHEESY SPINACH STUFFED SHELLS



Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells image

Want comfort food on demand? These family-friendly baked shells can be assembled ahead and refrigerated or frozen so they're ready to pop in the oven with no day-of work.

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

Sauce
28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon sugar
Pasta Shells
24 large pasta shells (about 3/4 of a 12 ounce box)
Filling
16 ounces (2 cups) cottage cheese
15 ounces (about 2 cups) part skim ricotta cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
10 ounces frozen, chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry of excess liquid
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
6 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)

Steps:

  • For the sauce, combine all the ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer. Continue simmering for 10-15 minutes. Remove from the heat.
  • While the sauce simmers, in a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the pasta shells al dente according to package directions. Drain and immediately place them in an even layer on paper towels or parchment.
  • For the filling, in a medium bowl, stir together the cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, salt, pepper, parsley, oregano and basil. Add the spinach and mix until combined. Stir in the cheeses.
  • Lightly grease a 9X13-inch pan with cooking spray and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spoon about half of the sauce on the bottom of the prepared pan and spread evenly. Fill each pasta shell with an even amount of the filling (about 1/4 cup per shell, more or less) and place the shells on top of the sauce in the pan - making three rows of eight shells.
  • Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top of the shells. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes. Uncover and bake five or so more minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and let the shells sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

CHEESY STUFFED SHELLS



Cheesy Stuffed Shells image

Provided by Melissa d'Arabian : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h15m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 22

Kosher salt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup grated carrot
1/2 cup grated zucchini
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup chopped celery
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
Freshly ground pepper
1 12-ounce box jumbo pasta shells
8 ounces silken tofu, mashed
1 10-ounce box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 clove garlic, minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Cooking spray

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Make the sauce: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the carrot, zucchini, onion and celery and saute until soft but not brown, 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the basil, oregano, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the shells: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook for 8 minutes; drain. Mix the tofu, spinach, cottage cheese, parmesan, 1/2 cup mozzarella, the egg and garlic in a medium bowl and season with salt and pepper.
  • Mist a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread about 1 cup of the sauce in the dish. Stuff the cheese mixture into the shells and place in the baking dish, open-side up. Pour the remaining sauce over the shells. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and bake for 15 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.

CHEESY SAUSAGE-STUFFED SHELLS



Cheesy Sausage-Stuffed Shells image

I wanted to make manicotti one day but was out of the noodles. So I used jumbo shells instead and discovered they were much easier to work with.-Lori Daniels, Beverly, West Virginia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 55m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

12 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
SAUCE:
2/3 pound bulk Italian sausage
2 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce
1/2 cup tomato paste
1/4 cup water
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
FILLING:
2/3 cup 4% cottage cheese
1-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon minced fresh parsley
Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Steps:

  • Cook pasta shells according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Set half of the sausage aside for filling. , Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, brown sugar and Italian seasoning to remaining sausage. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 15 minutes, stirring occasionally., Preheat oven to 350°. Drain pasta. In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, egg, parsley and reserved sausage. Stuff into shells. , Spread 1/2 cup meat sauce into an ungreased shallow 2-qt. baking dish. Arrange stuffed shells in dish; drizzle with remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan if desired. , Bake, uncovered, 25-30 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 459 calories, Fat 20g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 116mg cholesterol, Sodium 1265mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (14g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 30g protein.

SUPER-CHEESY STUFFED SHELLS



Super-Cheesy Stuffed Shells image

Make and share this Super-Cheesy Stuffed Shells recipe from Food.com.

Provided by CookingONTheSide

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h40m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (12 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells
1 (24 ounce) jar tomato and basil pasta sauce
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 (15 ounce) containers ricotta cheese
1 (8 ounce) package 5-cheese Italian cheese blend, shredded
1 egg
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
fresh basil (optional)

Steps:

  • Cook shells according to package directions; drain.
  • Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Coat 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Combine sauce and tomatoes with their juice; spread 1/2 cup sauce mixture in baking dish.
  • Combine ricotta, 1 cup cheese blend, egg, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
  • Spoon mixture into shells; place in baking dish.
  • Top with remaining sauce mixture; cover with foil.
  • Bake 45 minutes.
  • Uncover; sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese blend.
  • Bake until cheese is melted, 5 minutes.
  • Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
  • If desired, garnish with basil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 388.7, Fat 16.6, SaturatedFat 10.1, Cholesterol 85.6, Sodium 409.6, Carbohydrate 39, Fiber 2.2, Sugar 3.1, Protein 20.5

CHEESY CHICKEN ALFREDO STUFFED SHELLS



Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells image

This recipe I came up with for a potluck. You can cut the recipe in half, but leftovers are welcome :)

Provided by Michelle Schnepp

Categories     Pasta

Time 1h45m

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 lb ground chicken or 2 breast halves , diced
1 pkg real bacon, diced or real bacon bits ( use can use less or more )
1 box jumbo shells
1 - 48 oz ricotta cheese
2 - 8 oz bags of shredded 5 italian cheese
1- 8 oz bag or block white chedder, shredded
3 jar(s) garlic alfredo sauce
grated parmesan

Steps:

  • 1. Cook and dice Chicken Cook and dice Bacon Boil shells Combine Chicken, Bacon, Ricotta, Shredded 5 cheese and 1/2 of chedder (grated) in large bowl. Mix together well. Scoop mixure into shells generously. Pour 1 Jar alfredo into Large rectangle baking pan ( at least 1in deep ) spread to cover dish. Place stuffed shells crease side down snuggly together. Pour remaining sauce over shells. Bake covered at 375 for 30-40 minutes. Remove cover. Sprinkle some parmesan, Grate and top with remaining chedder, Bake until top is golden. Best served with Garlic Bread :)

~ CHEESY STUFFED SHELLS ~



~ Cheesy Stuffed Shells ~ image

My family love these shells over the meat filled version. Any cheeses would work, according to your liking. I switch them up at times, but always come back to our original version. Enjoy!

Provided by Cassie *

Categories     Pasta

Time 1h20m

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 lb container ricotta cheese
1 c fresh shredded parmesan cheese
2 eggs plus 2 yolks
3 c fresh shredded mozzarella
1 Tbsp dried parsley flakes
1 tsp each - garlic powder and black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
16 oz favorite pasta sauce
1 - 12 oz large stuffing type shells
I topped with 4 ounces of fresh mozzarella , shredded

Steps:

  • 1. Prepare shells per box directions. Al dente works great, rinse. In a medium bowl, mix together the cheeses. Beat eggs lightly and stir them in along with the salt, pepper and garlic powder.
  • 2. Preheat oven to 375 degree F. Using a casserole dish, spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of dish. Evenly stuff each shell and lay cheese side up into dish, until full. You may need to use another dish. Continue until cheese is gone. If you have extra noodles, I just fill in the crack with them.
  • 3. Ladle sauce across the middle of each shell, cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and sprinkle the top with more mozzarella. Place back into oven until cheese is melted and pasta bubbling. I usually heat up extra sauce and serve with.

Tips:

  • For a creamy and flavorful filling, use a combination of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses.
  • Add some cooked spinach, diced mushrooms, or crumbled sausage to the filling for a more hearty and flavorful dish.
  • If you don't have jumbo shells, you can use regular-sized shells and fill them with a smaller amount of filling.
  • To prevent the shells from sticking together, toss them with a little olive oil before filling them.
  • Bake the stuffed shells in a covered dish to keep them moist.
  • Serve the stuffed shells with your favorite pasta sauce, marinara, or Alfredo sauce.

Conclusion:

Cheesy stuffed shells are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy dinner idea, give cheesy stuffed shells a try!

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