Jumbo Stuffed Shells are a timeless comfort dish that brings together tender pasta, creamy cheese filling, and rich marinara sauce in a beautiful, crowd-pleasing bake. Loved for their elegant appearance yet simple preparation, these shells make an excellent choice for family dinners, potlucks, or special gatherings. Each shell is generously filled with a velvety blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, creating a harmony of textures and flavors that melt together perfectly as they bake.
Jumbo Stuffed Shells:
What makes Jumbo Stuffed Shells truly special is their versatility—you can keep them classic with cheese, add spinach for freshness, or incorporate Italian sausage for extra heartiness. Bubbly, golden, and satisfying, this dish transforms basic pantry staples into a comforting Italian-inspired meal that everyone will adore.
History:
Stuffed pasta dishes trace their roots back to Italy, where recipes like manicotti and cannelloni became beloved staples of regional cuisine. Jumbo pasta shells—known as “conchiglioni”—emerged as a practical alternative, offering a convenient shape that naturally cradles fillings. Italian immigrants brought their stuffed pasta traditions to America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where the dish evolved into the cheesy, oven-baked classic we know today. Over time, Jumbo Stuffed Shells became a cherished part of Italian-American home cooking and holiday celebrations.
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Jumbo Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
For the Shells:
- 20–24 jumbo pasta shells
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the Cheese Filling:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chopped spinach (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and cool.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional spinach.
- Spread 1 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Fill each shell with 1–2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture and arrange them in the dish.
- Spoon remaining marinara sauce over the shells.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Shells:
Keep them slightly firm so they hold their shape while stuffing and baking. - Add Protein:
Mix cooked Italian sausage or ground beef into the ricotta mixture for a heartier dish. - Use Fresh Herbs:
Fresh basil or parsley stirred into the filling adds bright flavor. - Make It Ahead:
Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until baking. - Freezer-Friendly:
Freeze the assembled (unbaked) shells for up to 3 months—bake directly from frozen, adding extra time.
Tips for Jumbo Stuffed Shells:
- Pipe the Filling:
Use a zip-top bag with the corner cut off to easily fill shells without mess. - Layer Sauce Generously:
Adequate sauce prevents shells from drying out during baking. - Cover with Foil (Optional):
If you prefer softer, less browned cheese, cover with foil for the first 20 minutes. - Mix Cheese Textures:
Combining mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan creates the best balance of creaminess and flavor. - Serve with Fresh Garnishes:
Finish with fresh basil, parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for color and taste.
FAQ’s for Jumbo Stuffed Shells:
Q1. Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes! Blend cottage cheese for a smoother texture before using it as a substitute.
Q2. How do I prevent shells from sticking together?
Drizzle cooked shells with a little olive oil or rinse lightly with cool water.
Q3. Can I add vegetables?
Spinach, mushrooms, and sautéed onions are great additions to the filling.
Q4. How long do leftovers last?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Q5. Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes—use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells and ensure your sauce is gluten-free.
Conclusion:
Jumbo Stuffed Shells are the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy comfort and classic Italian-inspired flavor. Easy to assemble yet impressive enough for special occasions, they’re a versatile dish that adapts to many tastes and dietary preferences. Whether baked fresh or prepared ahead, these shells deliver crowd-pleasing satisfaction every time.