The BEST Stuffed Shells Recipe

These classic stuffed shells are everything you want in a comforting Italian style dinner, with pasta filled to the brim with a rich and creamy four cheese blend. Seasoned with sautéed garlic, Italian spices, and the option of tender spinach, every bite feels warm, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.

The filling is what truly makes this stuffed shells recipe so special. The mix of cheeses creates a smooth, savory center, while the garlic, herbs, and spinach bring in just enough freshness and depth to keep it from feeling heavy.

It is also a wonderful make ahead meal, which makes life so much easier on busy days. You can assemble everything and keep it in the fridge until you are ready to bake, or freeze it for later when you need a comforting, homemade dinner without the extra work.

Once baked, these shells keep beautifully for leftovers too. Stored properly, they stay just as delicious for days in the fridge or even months in the freezer, making this one of those recipes you will be glad to have ready whenever a craving for something cozy strikes.

The BEST Stuffed Shells Recipe

The BEST Stuffed Shells Recipe

The BEST Stuffed Shells Recipe

If you’re looking for the best Stuffed Shells recipe, you’ve come to the right place! These classic shells are filled with a rich, creamy 4-cheese blend seasoned with sautéed garlic, Italian herbs, and the optional addition of spinach for a hint of green goodness. The result is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s both make-ahead and freezer-friendly.

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients

  • 18-20 jumbo pasta shells, boil extra in case some break
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups spinach
  • 15 oz. Ricotta
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
  • 2 Tablespoons cream cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • Fresh parsley, to garnish

Seasonings:

  • ½ tsp Salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

Step-By-Step Instructions

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