There’s something very comforting about a plate of warm, cheesy stuffed shells fresh out of the oven. These delicious pasta shells are stuffed with a variety of mouthwatering ingredients, from classic ricotta to more creative twists, making them the ultimate comfort food for family dinners, gatherings, or even a cozy night in.
Baked pasta is the ultimate comfort food, especially on a chilly day. These stuffed shells have all the cheesiness and deliciousness of Pasta al Forno, but with a million different stuffing possibilities.
If you like more baked pasta recipes, check out also these 25 Best Baked Pasta Recipes (packed with veggies).
Jump to:
- Which Pasta Shells are best to use?
- Mushroom and Ham Stuffed Shells
- Pumpkin and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells
- Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells
- Sausage & Spinach Stuffed Shells
- Easy and Hearty Beef Stuffed Shells
- Caccavelle Pasta alla Sorrentina
- Vegan Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Zucchini
- Meatball Stuffed Shells
- Reverse Stuffed Shells Appetizer
- Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo Stuffed Shells
- Cajun Shrimp and Crab Stuffed Shells in Vodka Sauce
- Ricotta and Italian Sausage Stuffed Shells
- Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells
- Stuffed Shells with Butternut Squash Sauce
- Philly Cheese Steak Stuffed Shells
- Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells
- FAQs about Pasta Shells
Which Pasta Shells are best to use?
Choosing the right pasta shells is key to making this cozy dish a success. When it comes to stuffed shells, you’ll want to use conchiglioni—the large, jumbo pasta shells that are perfect for holding all those delicious fillings. Their size makes them ideal for scooping generous portions of creamy ricotta, flavorful meats, or veggie-packed fillings.
Here are a few tips for selecting and preparing your shells:
- Size Matters: Always opt for the jumbo shells (conchiglioni), as they’re specifically designed for stuffing. Smaller shells won’t hold enough filling and may collapse during baking.
- Cook Them Al Dente: Boil your shells just until they’re almost al dente—firm yet tender. Since they’ll continue to cook in the oven, undercooking them slightly prevents them from becoming too soft or mushy.
- Prevent Sticking: After draining the pasta, lightly toss the shells in olive oil to prevent them from sticking together. This will make stuffing them easier, and they’ll maintain their shape in the baking dish.
Mushroom and Ham Stuffed Shells
Mushroom and Ham Stuffed Shells
Stuffed pasta shells are a very easy yet very delicious and impressive main course. They are stuffed with sautèed mushrooms, ham, fresh Ricotta, and melted Mozzarella cheese. Then covered with a layer of white sauce and baked in the oven until they get a golden-brown crust which is to die for. A fantastic weekend meal for the whole family.
Total Time to make: 45 minutes
Check out this recipe
Pumpkin and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells
Pumpkin and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells
My Roasted Pumpkin and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells are such delicious comfort food. There are few things in the culinary world that are more satisfying than having a dish of baked pasta bubbling away in the oven. The edges of the pasta become crispy and brown whilst the filling remains rich and creamy. This is truly a crowd-pleasing meal!
Check out this recipe
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells (Olive Garden Copycat Recipe)
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells (Olive Garden Copycat Recipe) are super easy to make in the comfort of your own kitchen and I think even more delicious when you make them homemade. What’s in them? Italian cheeses filled in pasta shells, nestled on top of rich marinara sauce, topped with a creamy Alfredo sauce and finally a spirinkle of crunchy breadcrumb topping. This Italian-American comfort food just doesn’t get any better! If you love copyat Olive Garden recipes, this one’s a must-try!
Check out this recipe
Sausage & Spinach Stuffed Shells
Sausage & Spinach Stuffed Shells
Jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and spinach that’s topped with crumbled sausage and cheese and baked on a bed of pasta sauce.
If you’re looking for a new crowd-pleasing recipe, these Sausage & Spinach Stuffed Shells are sure to be a hit!
Check out this recipe
If you’re looking for a new crowd-pleasing recipe, these Sausage & Spinach Stuffed Shells are sure to be a hit!
Easy and Hearty Beef Stuffed Shells
Easy and Hearty Beef Stuffed Shells - Perfect for a Family Dinner!
Try this easy Beef Stuffed Shells recipe for a comforting and filling meal. Perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests. Simple, tasty, and satisfying!
These beef stuffed shells are like a warm hug on a plate. The tasty meat, cheesy goodness, and pasta make it a meal that everyone looks forward to.
This recipe is really easy to follow. It’s great because you don’t need to be an expert in the kitchen to make something that tastes so good.
Check out this recipe
These beef stuffed shells are like a warm hug on a plate. The tasty meat, cheesy goodness, and pasta make it a meal that everyone looks forward to.
This recipe is really easy to follow. It’s great because you don’t need to be an expert in the kitchen to make something that tastes so good.
Caccavelle Pasta alla Sorrentina
Caccavelle Pasta alla Sorrentina.
Caccavelle pasta alla Sorrentina is a really tasty traditional baked pasta dish from Naples made with the largest pasta shells in the world.
Baked pasta alla Sorrentina is a typical Neapolitan recipe the most famous version of which is gnocchi alla Sorrentina. For the gnocchi version, potato gnocchi are baked in a tomato sauce with mozzarella and basil. However, there are a number of different ‘alla sorrentina’ recipes. Many Italians also serve other types of pasta this way and I have found recipes for paccheri, strozzapreti, scialatielli and fusilli alla Sorrentina; either al forno (baked) or served without baking.
Check out this recipe
Baked pasta alla Sorrentina is a typical Neapolitan recipe the most famous version of which is gnocchi alla Sorrentina. For the gnocchi version, potato gnocchi are baked in a tomato sauce with mozzarella and basil. However, there are a number of different ‘alla sorrentina’ recipes. Many Italians also serve other types of pasta this way and I have found recipes for paccheri, strozzapreti, scialatielli and fusilli alla Sorrentina; either al forno (baked) or served without baking.
Vegan Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Zucchini
Vegan Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Zucchini
Amazing flavors easily come together in this comforting meal of Vegan Stuffed Shells! Jumbo shells are filled with a creamy combination of vegan cheeses, hummus, herbs, and sautéed veggies, then baked to perfection in a bubbling dish of pasta sauce. The whole family will love this delicious meal!
Hummus pairs so well with the vegan cream cheese to form a light, creamy, cheesy filling. Trust me, one bite, and your eyes will be rolling back as you taste this divine flavor.
Check out this recipe
Hummus pairs so well with the vegan cream cheese to form a light, creamy, cheesy filling. Trust me, one bite, and your eyes will be rolling back as you taste this divine flavor.
Meatball Stuffed Shells
Meatball Stuffed Shells
Meatball stuffed shells made with frozen meatballs, saving you time without sacrificing flavor! Make this easy comfort food recipe for dinner tonight!
While I love the traditional version of stuffed shells, adding meatballs gives the classic recipe a fun and delicious twist!
And, there's no need to make the meatballs from scratch! Your favorite store-bought variety is perfectly okay to use.
Check out this recipe
While I love the traditional version of stuffed shells, adding meatballs gives the classic recipe a fun and delicious twist!
And, there's no need to make the meatballs from scratch! Your favorite store-bought variety is perfectly okay to use.
Reverse Stuffed Shells Appetizer
Reverse Stuffed Shells Appetizer
Stuffed shells you can eat with your hands?? Yep! These Reverse Stuffed Shells appetizer will be the talk of your get-together. They’re cheesy, easy and SUPER fun!
Stuffed shells is one of my favorite comfort foods. They were always something my mother made growing up, along with her Greek Lemon Chicken Soup.
But in good hosting fashion, I'm always looking for new and fun ways to serve appetizers and these stuffed shells are definitely both of those things.
Check out this recipe
Stuffed shells is one of my favorite comfort foods. They were always something my mother made growing up, along with her Greek Lemon Chicken Soup.
But in good hosting fashion, I'm always looking for new and fun ways to serve appetizers and these stuffed shells are definitely both of those things.
Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a twist on an Italian pasta Copycat Olive Garden recipe. Ground beef, four cheeses, tomato, and spinach.
These Italian stuffed shells were a huge hit at a dinner party! The little we had left over definitely did not go to waste as everyone wanted to take them home!
Check out this recipe
These Italian stuffed shells were a huge hit at a dinner party! The little we had left over definitely did not go to waste as everyone wanted to take them home!
Cajun Shrimp and Crab Stuffed Shells in Vodka Sauce
Cajun Shrimp and Crab Stuffed Shells in Vodka Sauce
Cajun Shrimp and Crab Stuffed Shells in Vodka Sauce WHOOP! This is an epic good and deliciously decadent stuffed shells recipe with a dreamy seafood filling and luxurious Cajun vodka sauce. Save this recipe for a special occasion, holiday, or family supper. Need a new Sunday dinner? Here you go!
I generally love my own cooking but I impressed the crap outta my own self with this one. This is balls-hit-out-of-the-park creative, special, delicious, AND not hard to make whatsoever.
Check out this recipe
I generally love my own cooking but I impressed the crap outta my own self with this one. This is balls-hit-out-of-the-park creative, special, delicious, AND not hard to make whatsoever.
Ricotta and Italian Sausage Stuffed Shells
Ricotta and Italian Sausage Stuffed Shells
Perfect for an easy family dinner, these delicious stuffed pasta shells are loaded with creamy ricotta cheese, Italian sausage, and spinach.
Stuffed with sweet and spicy Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and sautéed spinach this has become one of our favorite meals for busy weeknights, as much of the recipe can be made ahead of time. The stuffed shells cook perfectly in your home oven, but we especially love making a smoked pasta recipe on our pellet smoker for a hint of smoky flavor.
Check out this recipe
Stuffed with sweet and spicy Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and sautéed spinach this has become one of our favorite meals for busy weeknights, as much of the recipe can be made ahead of time. The stuffed shells cook perfectly in your home oven, but we especially love making a smoked pasta recipe on our pellet smoker for a hint of smoky flavor.
Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells
Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells
Baked ricotta beef stuffed pasta shells are full of ground beef and four different types of cheese. It is a meal the whole family will love!
Boasting classic Italian ingredients like pasta shells, ricotta, provolone, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese, these ricotta beef stuffed shells offer a hearty taste of Italy. Jumbo pasta shells aren’t hard to find and the recipe is straightforward to make. This is a stuffed shells recipe with meat you’ll want to make more than once. Everything from the melty cheese to the hearty meat sauce and al dente pasta shells makes this mouthwatering dish really impressive!
Check out this recipe
Boasting classic Italian ingredients like pasta shells, ricotta, provolone, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese, these ricotta beef stuffed shells offer a hearty taste of Italy. Jumbo pasta shells aren’t hard to find and the recipe is straightforward to make. This is a stuffed shells recipe with meat you’ll want to make more than once. Everything from the melty cheese to the hearty meat sauce and al dente pasta shells makes this mouthwatering dish really impressive!
Stuffed Shells with Butternut Squash Sauce
Stuffed Shells with Butternut Squash Sauce
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Stuffed Shells in Butternut Squash Sauce recipe. Learn how to reheat for a quick, satisfying meal. Embrace the flavors of the season with creamy butternut squash, and pair it perfectly with a spinach and ricotta filling.
Our Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Shells with Butternut Squash Sauce is a delightful blend of seasonal ingredients and rich flavors that will make your taste buds dance.
Check out this recipe
Our Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Shells with Butternut Squash Sauce is a delightful blend of seasonal ingredients and rich flavors that will make your taste buds dance.
Philly Cheese Steak Stuffed Shells
Philly Cheese Steak Stuffed Shells
These Philly Cheese Steak Stuffed Shells are the great taste of philly cheese steak in delicious stuffed shell form, for an amazing pasta dinner!
One of my favorite dishes that I’ve ever made, and luckily for you shared here, are these . They’ve been one of our most popular posts on here for several years, so of course I wanted to make other fun stuffed shell varieties, and I came up with these Philly cheese steak stuffed shells.
Check out this recipe
One of my favorite dishes that I’ve ever made, and luckily for you shared here, are these . They’ve been one of our most popular posts on here for several years, so of course I wanted to make other fun stuffed shell varieties, and I came up with these Philly cheese steak stuffed shells.
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Take some time from your busy schedule for a good home-cooked meal with Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells with homemade Alfredo sauce.
I love anything with a good Alfredo sauce such as my Alfredo mac and cheese, especially when broccoli and either chicken or shrimp are involved.
This time around I chose chicken as it’s a more affordable protein, but you can easily substitute shrimp if you’re in the mood for seafood Alfredo.
Check out this recipe
I love anything with a good Alfredo sauce such as my Alfredo mac and cheese, especially when broccoli and either chicken or shrimp are involved.
This time around I chose chicken as it’s a more affordable protein, but you can easily substitute shrimp if you’re in the mood for seafood Alfredo.
FAQs about Pasta Shells
Can I make stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes! Stuffed shells are a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble the shells up to a day in advance, cover them tightly, and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. If you're planning to freeze them, simply prepare the shells, cover with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to bake, you can either thaw them in the fridge overnight or bake them directly from frozen—just add extra time to the cooking process.
How do I prevent stuffed shells from drying out?
To keep your stuffed shells moist and delicious, make sure to use plenty of sauce. Spread a layer of sauce on the bottom of your baking dish before adding the stuffed shells, and pour additional sauce over the top before baking. Covering the dish with aluminum foil for the first part of baking helps retain moisture. Remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes to allow the top to get bubbly and slightly golden.
How many stuffed shells should I serve per person?
Typically, 3-4 jumbo stuffed shells per person is a good serving size for a main course, especially if you’re serving it with a side like salad or garlic bread. If you have hearty eaters, consider 5-6 shells per person.
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