5 Delicious Stuffed Shell Recipes for Your Next Dinner

Stuffed shells are a delightful dish, perfect for any dinner occasion, offering comfort and an impressive presentation with minimal effort. These pasta pockets, stuffed with a variety of fillings, provide endless opportunities for creativity in the kitchen. Whether you're looking for a vegetarian option, a meat lovers' delight, or something entirely different, there’s a stuffed shell recipe for everyone. Here are five delicious stuffed shell recipes to elevate your next dinner.

Pesto Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Start with a vegetarian delight that's rich in flavor. Pesto ricotta stuffed shells combine the creamy texture of ricotta with the vibrant taste of homemade or store-bought pesto.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 box of jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 3/4 cup pesto
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Instructions:
  1. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions, aiming for al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
  2. In a bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, pesto, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the bottom of a baking dish.
  4. Fill each shell with the ricotta-pesto mixture and arrange them in the baking dish. Pour the remaining marinara over the shells.
  5. Top with mozzarella cheese.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

👉 Note: For an extra touch of flavor, you can sprinkle some pine nuts on top before baking.

Spinach and Feta Stuffed Shells

This recipe brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. The combination of spinach, feta, and herbs packs each shell with a burst of fresh flavors.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 box of jumbo pasta shells
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
  • 1/4 tsp each of salt and pepper
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Instructions:
  1. Cook the shells as per the instructions, then set aside to cool.
  2. Mix spinach, feta, ricotta, egg, dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  3. Prepare your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spread a layer of tomato sauce in the baking dish.
  4. Stuff the shells with the spinach mixture and arrange in the dish.
  5. Cover with the remaining sauce, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling.

📝 Note: If you prefer a stronger feta flavor, use higher proportion of feta to ricotta.

Mexican Stuffed Shells

Give your dinner a twist with these Mexican inspired stuffed shells, featuring the warmth of spices and the zest of lime.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 box of jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 packet of taco seasoning
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 lime, juice and zest
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Cook the pasta shells according to package directions, then cool.
  2. Brown the ground meat with taco seasoning, then mix in the salsa.
  3. Prepare your oven at 350°F (175°C). Coat the bottom of a baking dish with some enchilada sauce.
  4. Fill the shells with the meat mixture, lay them in the dish, and pour over the remaining enchilada sauce.
  5. Top with cheese.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and sauce is bubbling.
  7. Garnish with sour cream, lime zest, and cilantro.

🍖 Note: Ground chicken or plant-based meat alternatives can be used for a different twist.

Seafood Stuffed Shells

For seafood enthusiasts, this recipe blends the richness of the sea with the comfort of pasta shells.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 box of jumbo pasta shells
  • 1/2 lb shrimp, chopped
  • 1/2 lb crab meat or imitation crab, flaked
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups alfredo sauce
• Instructions:
  1. Cook the shells, then allow to cool.
  2. Mix seafood, ricotta, cream cheese, Parmesan, egg, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  3. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread some alfredo sauce in the baking dish.
  4. Stuff each shell with the seafood mixture and arrange in the dish. Cover with remaining sauce.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes.

Vegan Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells

Last but not least, a vegan recipe that’s both nutritious and delicious, using butternut squash for a sweet, creamy filling.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 box of jumbo pasta shells
  • 2 cups butternut squash, cubed and roasted
  • 1 cup vegan ricotta (can be store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1/4 cup vegan Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp sage, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups vegan marinara sauce
• Instructions:
  1. Cook the shells, then let cool.
  2. Roast butternut squash at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes or until soft, then mash.
  3. Mix mashed squash, vegan ricotta, nutritional yeast, vegan Parmesan, sage, and garlic.
  4. Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread some sauce in a baking dish.
  5. Fill each shell with the squash mixture, arrange in dish, and cover with remaining sauce.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through.

With these five recipes, your dinner table can showcase a variety of flavors, textures, and culinary cultures. Each one promises to bring warmth, creativity, and satisfaction to your meal. Cooking pasta shells is simple, yet the possibilities for fillings are endless, making stuffed shells an impressive and adaptable dish for any occasion. Whether you're catering to specific dietary needs or simply exploring new tastes, these recipes offer a delicious start. Enjoy experimenting, sharing, and savoring these delightful meals with your loved ones, knowing each bite brings you closer to culinary delights you might not have otherwise tried.

Can I make stuffed shells ahead of time?

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Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells the night before. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed when ready to serve.

How long can I store leftovers?

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Stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can I freeze these dishes?

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Yes, stuffed shells freeze well. Before baking, cover tightly with foil and freeze. To cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake according to the recipe, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to compensate for the cold temperature.