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    You are here: Crunchy Creamy Sweet / Pasta / Stuffed Pasta Shells

    Stuffed Pasta Shells

    Published: Jun 8, 2016 · Modified: Oct 22, 2022 by Anna 61 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Stuffed Pasta Shells are a rich and hearty pasta dish that's easy to make! Jumbo pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta and spinach filling topped with more cheese and baked on top of hearty red sauce. 

     Pasta Shells on a white plate with tomato sauce underneath.
    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Dish
    • Ingredients:
    • How to make stuffed pasta shells?
    • Recipe FAQs:
    • More pasta dinners:
    • Stuffed Pasta Shells

    Why You'll Love This Dish

    Cheese and pasta are one of my favorite comfort food combos. We have it in our weekly menu rotation and if we ever get bored with it, all I need to do is jazz it up a little bit! Like stuff jumbo pasta shells with creamy ricotta and spinach filling and bake it all on a bed of hearty pasta sauce. YES! Thumbs up from the whole family! Today I am partnering with RAGÚ to tell you about their newest line of Homestyle sauces because when it comes to quick, easy and delicious pasta dishes - a good red sauce is a must!

    Ingredients:

    • jumbo pasta shells
    • ricotta
    • spinach
    • egg
    • crushed tomatoes or pasta sauce
    • mozzarella cheese
    • Italian seasoning
    • garlic
    • salt and pepper

    How to make stuffed pasta shells?

    • Make the filling by mixing ricotta, egg, mozzarella, garlic, Italian seasoning, and spinach in a bowl.
    • Fill each pasta shell with filling.
    • Spread the sauce on the bottom of your baking dish.
    • Arrange filled pasta shells in sauce.
    • Top with shredded cheese and bake.
    Pasta sauce in a baking glass dish with filled pasta shells.

    Recipe FAQs:

    Can I freeze this dish?

    Yes! Once prepared, place the dish in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge, then bake until bubbly.

    Can I make this dish ahead of time?

    You can make this dish up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the fridge and let it come to room temperature while the oven preheats.

    More pasta dinners:

    • Creamy Boursin Pasta
    • Creamy Zucchini Pasta
    • Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe
    • Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta

    If you like this recipe and make it, let me know in the comments below! Don't forget to rate it if you enjoyed it!

    Stuffed Pasta Shells on a white plate.

    Stuffed Pasta Shells

    Author: Anna
    These Stuffed Pasta Shells are rich and hearty and so easy to make! Jumbo pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta and spinach filling baked with more cheese on top of hearty red sauce.
    5 from 16 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 35 mins
    Course main
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 396 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 12 jumbo pasta shells
    • 1 jar pasta sauce
    • 15 oz. whole-milk ricotta
    • 1 large egg
    • ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 1 ½ cup fresh spinach roughly chopped
    • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • 1 clove garlic minced or grated
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • ½ cup shredded mozzarella for topping
    • chopped Italian parsley for garnish

    Instructions
     

    • Cook pasta shells according to instructions on the package. Drain, keep warm.
    • Preheat oven to 350° F.
    • Spread pasta sauce on the bottom of 13" x 9" baking dish. Set aside.
    • In a medium mixing bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, egg, garlic, seasoning, salt, pepper and chopped spinach.
    • Fill each pasta shell with cheese filling and arrange in the sauce.
    • Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese over each shell.
    • Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling on the edges.
    • Let sit for 10 minutes in room temperature before serving.

    Notes

    • Please note, that the nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use. The information below is an estimate. Always use calorie counter you are familiar with.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 396kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 122mg | Sodium: 618mg | Potassium: 206mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 770IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 412mg | Iron: 1.2mg
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment with rating below!

    More Pasta Recipes

    • Creamy Sausage Pasta
    • Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce
    • Easy Broccoli Pasta
    • Tortellini Alfredo

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Arriana says

      May 02, 2022 at 5:04 pm

      Has anyone ever tried adding Italian sausage or ground beef to this meal? I'm considering it but I'm not sure how good it will be.

      Reply
      • Anna says

        May 10, 2022 at 9:49 pm

        I think sausage or beef would be fantastic in this dish!

        Reply
    2. Liz says

      December 17, 2019 at 8:04 pm

      Do u cook the shells first or stuff them uncooked?

      Reply
      • Anna says

        December 20, 2019 at 10:08 pm

        Hi Liz! Step 1 instructs to cook the shells.

        Reply
        • Liz says

          December 21, 2019 at 10:28 am

          Omg I am so dense, I didn't see that whole part, thanks so much and Happy Holidays

          Reply
          • Anna says

            December 22, 2019 at 6:09 pm

            No problem at all, Liz!

            Reply
    3. Megan Marlowe says

      May 30, 2018 at 8:35 am

      5 stars
      I did a few posts with RAGU Homestyle Sauce and I was thoroughly impressed. The sauce is delicious and I keep a stock in my kitchen now. Thankfully, because I can make these stuffed shells which look amazing. I love spinach and ricotta together and this is the perfect week night meal!

      Reply
    4. Sues says

      May 30, 2018 at 7:20 am

      5 stars
      I LOVE stuffed shells, but barely ever make them. This is just the tempting reminder I need... Give me ALL the ricotta cheese!

      Reply
    5. Carmy says

      May 29, 2018 at 1:38 pm

      5 stars
      You had me at that first cheesy shot! I love pasta and stuffing it with cheese just makes everything way better! We use the same Ragu sauce at home and it's amazing - I bet it pairs perfectly with these stuffed shells. I'll need this on my plate ASAP.

      Reply
    6. Sean says

      May 29, 2018 at 10:20 am

      5 stars
      I've done stuffed shells before, but I've never thought to lay them on a bed of sauce like this. It's a great idea, and a wonderful (but very doable) looking recipe! I'll have to give it a try.

      Reply
    7. Leah says

      May 28, 2018 at 1:56 pm

      5 stars
      This pasta looks like the perfect weeknight meal. What a great mix of flavors and I always love spinach and pasta together anyway. What a delicious meal, and how easy. Thanks for the dinner inspiration.

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        May 28, 2018 at 11:14 pm

        Thank you, Leah! I hope you love it!

        Reply
    8. Amanda says

      May 28, 2018 at 7:06 am

      5 stars
      Hello, gorgeous! Loving that cheese pull shot up top. Stuffed shells are such wonderful comfort food, but I always love the pretty presentation they make when entertaining as well. The hearty homestyle sauce must pair perfectly with them and it sounds like such a timesaver!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        May 28, 2018 at 11:15 pm

        Thank you so much, Amanda! I hope you will give it a try!

        Reply
    9. Tracy Koslicki says

      May 27, 2018 at 11:08 pm

      5 stars
      You're so right, pasta and cheese can never get old. Ever. And the possibilities are endless. I saw these new Ragus in the store the other day and was curious. Now I definitely need to try them!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        May 28, 2018 at 11:15 pm

        That's awesome! I hope you love them, Tracy!

        Reply
    10. Marisa Franca says

      May 27, 2018 at 3:25 pm

      5 stars
      You will always have a winner of a dish with pasta stuffed with cheese. Add a tangy sauce to eat, heat it up and your the best cook/chef in the world! It's great having a good tasting sauce to rely on -- you can come up with so many tasty dishes.

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        May 28, 2018 at 11:16 pm

        I agree! So easy and perfect for busy weeknights!

        Reply
    11. Brandi says

      May 24, 2018 at 11:03 am

      5 stars
      I am a huge fan of stuffed shells. I absolutely love the ingredients that you have used. I can't wait to make this recipe and try it with Ragu!

      Reply
    12. Kris says

      May 24, 2018 at 7:57 am

      5 stars
      Wow, oh wow does this look good. So cheesy and we love the addition of spinach. Great recipe and thanks for sharing. Can hardly wait to make this!

      Reply
    13. Gloria says

      May 23, 2018 at 8:37 pm

      5 stars
      You can NEVER go wrong with a GREAT pasta dish. This is crowd pleasing perfect. A great make ahead dish to take to the cottage. Leftovers would be great...in fact I would likely make a double batch to make sure I had some leftover.

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        May 23, 2018 at 10:29 pm

        Yes! Definitely make a double batch and keep one for later or share with friends. This is always a huge hit!

        Reply
    14. Lisa says

      May 22, 2018 at 10:19 am

      5 stars
      Oh-Ma-Gawd! These stuffed shells look so amazing -- and while I appreciate the energy that goes into making your own sauce, it's good to know that Ragu is available when you just don't have the time. The flavors sound enticing too, but I think I'm partial to the Roasted Garlic -- that is right in my wheel house. I'd want extra sauce for serving too. Pinning to make this weekend!

      Reply
    15. Sarah says

      May 21, 2018 at 5:57 pm

      5 stars
      Wahoo- that sauce DOES look thick! Sometimes I like to do a homemade sauce, but other times (especially if the husband makes dinner) it's so nice to have a high-quality, delicious option in a jar! I'll look for this!

      Reply
    16. KayWo says

      October 28, 2017 at 2:35 pm

      5 stars
      I is amazing
      Had it last night for dinner

      Reply
    17. Lina says

      May 30, 2017 at 12:44 pm

      Those shells look so yummy and gooey, but I just have one question. Do I cover the shells with foil when they are baking? I'm afraid they will get dry and hard.

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        June 01, 2017 at 10:41 am

        Hi Lina! You can definitely do that. Let me know if you try this recipe and how you like it! Have a beautiful day! - Anna

        Reply
    18. Jeanette says

      February 06, 2017 at 5:29 pm

      Can you use frozen spinach in place of the fresh?

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        February 07, 2017 at 12:07 am

        Hi Jeanette! Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw it and make sure to squeeze out as much water as possible. Hope this helps! Have a beautiful week! -Anna

        Reply
    19. MaryBeth says

      December 19, 2016 at 1:14 pm

      I am considering making this for Christmas eve but was wondering if i can make this dish a day ahead and not bake until the following day? Would it be okay?

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        December 19, 2016 at 1:38 pm

        Hi Mary Beth! Thank you for the question! I think it would be best to make the filling a day ahead and cook the pasta and assemble and bake the dish the day you serve it. I worry that the pasta will dry overnight since it is not completely covered with sauce. I hope this helps! Let me know if you make it! I am excited for you to try it. 😀 Happy Holidays! -Anna

        Reply
    20. Maria says

      December 19, 2016 at 9:38 am

      5 stars
      I made this last night and everyone loved it. Some had seconds and some even went for thirds! This recipe is a keeper. It was so easy to make and I served it with chicken cutlets. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        December 19, 2016 at 1:39 pm

        Hi Maria! Yay! That's wonderful! I am so happy to know you and your family love this dish! Thank you so much for the comment. Happy Holidays! -Anna

        Reply
    21. Rachel says

      December 15, 2016 at 11:40 pm

      I just made these for dinner and they were really good! There was definitely enough cheese filling for a whole box of jumbo shells, so I made the whole box and have lots of left overs. Also, I noticed that the longer the shells sat out (on my plate while I was eating them) , the harder they became. Why is that?

      Reply
    22. Meagan says

      November 05, 2016 at 9:56 pm

      What purpose does the egg serve and would I be able to omit or substitute?

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        November 07, 2016 at 9:55 pm

        Hi Meagan,
        The egg binds the filling ingredients together and also makes the flavor richer. You can skip it no problem, it may make the filling less set together but it will still work and be delicious! I hope this helps! Let me know if you make this dish. I'd love your feedback! Have a beautiful week! -Anna

        Reply
    23. Beth says

      October 08, 2016 at 9:14 am

      What meat would you serve with this? Looks like a great side dish!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        October 08, 2016 at 11:27 pm

        Hi Beth! Great question! Meatballs are the first that come to my mind. 😀 I think roasted chicken would be great too. Let me know if you make it! Have a beautiful day! -Anna

        Reply
        • Beth says

          December 30, 2016 at 7:00 pm

          5 stars
          I've made this several times now, and it's become one of my grandson's favorite meals. I brown and drain a pound of ground chuck and add it to the Ragu sauce beneath the shells. Served with a salad and garlic bread, it's a great meal!

          Reply
          • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

            December 30, 2016 at 10:04 pm

            Hi Beth! I absolutely LOVE that! I am so happy to know that you made this dish and your grandson loves it. THANK YOU so much for letting me know! Have a beautiful weekend! -Anna

            Reply
    24. Jamie says

      June 23, 2016 at 4:52 pm

      Thick and roasted garlic would be DELICIOUS with my baked ziti! Yum!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        July 01, 2016 at 10:06 am

        I agree! So good! Thanks, Jamie!

        Reply
    25. Michelle says

      June 23, 2016 at 1:23 pm

      Thick and hearty roasted garlic yum

      Reply
    26. Dorothy says

      June 15, 2016 at 8:55 am

      I could live on cheesy pasta. This looks SO GOOD! Love that jarred sauce too!

      Reply
    27. Susan Christy says

      June 14, 2016 at 9:34 pm

      I want to try the Roasted Garlic to make one of my favorite things - meatball sub casserole.

      Reply
    28. Andi says

      June 09, 2016 at 2:30 pm

      What a hearty dinner! Your pictures make me hungry!

      Reply
    29. Kimberly says

      June 08, 2016 at 8:22 pm

      This is the kind of dish I virtually never get tired of - yummy!

      Reply
    30. Becky Hardin says

      June 08, 2016 at 6:43 pm

      These shells look absolutely wonderful

      Reply
    31. Liz says

      June 08, 2016 at 4:36 pm

      Ahhh that cheese shot!! Love it girl!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        June 08, 2016 at 9:52 pm

        Thank you, Liz!! 😀

        Reply
    32. Kim Beaulieu says

      June 08, 2016 at 3:41 pm

      This looks absolutely amazing Anna. I love Ragu sauce, we use it a lot. Especially for pizza, it rocks as pizza sauce. And it's my daughter's favourite for when I make pasta.

      I love that you used a spinach and ricotta filling. Stuffed shells are so scrumptious. Wish I lived near you, I'd be banging on your door with a bowl and a fork in my hands.

      I'm going to scope out our stores for the Garlic one. I'm such a sucker for garlic.

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        June 08, 2016 at 4:52 pm

        Absolutely! It has that perfect thickness to go on pizza. Oh, and don't forget the coupon! Thanks, Kim! 😀

        Reply
    33. Jessica says

      June 08, 2016 at 12:53 pm

      Look at that cheese! YUM!!

      Reply
    34. Justine says

      June 08, 2016 at 12:12 pm

      Stuffed shells are my one of my all time favorite comfort foods! Love the spinach in this version!

      Reply
    35. Amy says

      June 08, 2016 at 11:52 am

      I love the addition of spinach it makes these shells so pretty!

      Reply
    36. Jessica says

      June 08, 2016 at 11:11 am

      Ugh, this looks SOOO good right now! Love anything spinach and artichoke!

      Reply
    37. Sues says

      June 08, 2016 at 10:43 am

      These look heavenly!! I never make stuffed shells and I'm not quite sure why. They look like the perfect dinner!

      Reply
    38. Medha says

      June 08, 2016 at 9:58 am

      These stuffed shells look amazing! Love the ricotta in there 🙂

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        June 08, 2016 at 10:48 am

        Thank you, Medha!

        Reply
    39. Jocelyn says

      June 08, 2016 at 9:55 am

      We love stuffed shells in our house! That gooey cheese in the first picture totally has me wanting a batch for dinner tonight! Love that thick hearty sauce!!!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        June 08, 2016 at 11:01 am

        You can never go wrong with gooey cheese and good pasta sauce! Thanks, Jocelyn! 😀

        Reply

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