Stuffed Shells Recipe For Two – An Easy Comfort Food Recipe

When it comes to making a classic comfort food recipe, it doesn’t get much better than stuffed shells. Tender jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta, mozzarella and parmesan cheese and seasoned to perfection.

Then the shells are nestled between two layers of marinara sauce and topped with more cheese. Once baked you have the perfect Italian dinner for two!

Best of all, you can make this as a make ahead meal. Stuff the shells and store them in the refrigerator or freezer.

Then when you are ready put them in the oven and dinner will be on the table in just 30 minutes! In fact, when I make this recipe as a make ahead meal I will double the recipe so that I can put one batch in the refrigerator for a meal later that week.

Then I will freeze the other batch for a quick weeknight meal whenever I need one. It is a great way to get dinner on the table without a lot of extra work.

Ingredients Required For Stuffed Shells

Jumbo Pasta Shells

Jumbo shells are used as the pasta that holds the cheesy filling. The large open space makes the process of adding the filling easy.

Although in order to get dinner on the table quickly you must first cook the pasta. But it is important that you cook the pasta just to al’ dente consistency.

The pasta needs to be pliable, but not over cooked. If you cook the pasta too long it will likely tear when you add the filling. In addition, the pasta will become mushy after they bake in the oven.

Once the pasta is cooked, drain and let them cool just enough so that you can add the filling.

Three Cheese Filling

This stuffed shells recipe includes a rich & creamy three cheese filling that is packed with flavor. Each cheese adds a unique flavor and texture to the dish which compliments the other ingredients perfectly.

Ricotta cheese has a smooth, mild taste that binds the filling together. This ingredient is what creates such a rich, comforting flavor to this meal. 

Mozzarella adds a chewy texture and subtle flavor to the dish. Once in the oven, the gooey bubbly cheese will melt perfectly into the shells. 

Parmesan cheese adds a slight sharp bite to the filling. The salty and slightly nutty flavors adds the classic Italian flavors that we have all come to love. 

However instead of simply combining the three varieties of cheese together, a few seasonings are added to make this dish even more tasty. Garlic powder, onion powder and Italian seasoning are combined with the cheese to give it more of an Italian flavor.

Simply mix the filling ingredients together until well incorporated and spoon it into the jumbo shells.

Marinara Sauce

Although it is easy to make Homemade Marinara Sauce, most of us will choose to purchase a jar of marinara sauce from the grocery store. Although I typically stick to a standard red marinara sauce, you can choose your favorite variety to add even more flavor to your stuffed shells meal.

For example, if you want more protein in your meal then you can easily opt for a marinara meat sauce. Or if you prefer you can use a sauce with even more cheese, mushrooms or garlic. The choice is up to you.

However, just like when making Beef and Cheese Manicotti pour a small amount of the sauce in the bottom of the dish before adding the shells. This will help prevent any pasta from sticking to the bottom of the dish, making it easier to serve.

Then top the shells with more sauce and cheese and they are ready for the oven!

Common Recipe Modifications For Stuffed Shells

Whether you have dietary needs, food sensitivities or have a craving for a specific ingredient, you can adjust this recipe to however you prefer.

As mentioned above you can add meat to the marinara sauce. However, you can also add ground beef to your cheese filling as well.

Although if you want to keep your stuffed shells vegetarian you can add wilted baby spinach leaves to the filling. It is a great way to get some extra nutrients in your meal and the splash of color in the filling makes for an impressive presentation.

What To Serve With Stuffed Shells

This recipe is a wholesome, filling meal all on its own. However, you can make it a complete meal by serving it with a light side salad or your favorite steamed vegetables. 

And you can never go wrong by adding garlic bread or garlic knots to soak up any extra sauce from your stuffed shells.

Easy Stuffed Shells Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 6 jumbo pasta shells, uncooked
• ¼ cup ricotta cheese
• ¼ teaspoon dry Italian seasoning
• ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
• ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons fresh grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup marinara sauce, divided

INSTRUCTIONS

First, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, cook the large pasta shells in salted water according to package instructions, for al’ dente consistency. Drain and set aside.

While the pasta is boiling add the ricotta, dry Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a medium-sized bowl. Mix until well combined.

Then, stir in half of the mozzarella cheese and the entire amount of parmesan cheese. Spread ¼ cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a small 1.5 quart baking dish (or a 5 x 5 inch baking dish).

Once the pasta is drained and cool enough to handle fill each shell with the ricotta cheese mixture and place upright in the baking dish.

Next, spoon the remaining ¼ cup of marinara sauce over the top of the shells. Then sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the sauce.

Bake Time Required

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then uncover the dish, then bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted and starts to turn light golden brown.

Last, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for added flavor and color if desired. Serve warm

Making this three cheese stuffed shells recipe for two, it is just as easy as it is delicious. This quick comfort meal is perfect to make during the week or to make ahead of time.

Enjoy! Mary

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