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# 🧀 Stuffed Cheese Shells Baked – A Comfort Food Classic the Whole Family Will Love
**Bubbling with cheese, herbs, and rich tomato sauce, these Stuffed Cheese Shells are a baked pasta dream come true.** This Italian-American comfort food classic is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or cozy family gatherings. Each jumbo shell is filled with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, nestled in tangy spaghetti sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan – golden, gooey, and irresistible.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that tastes even better the next day.
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## 🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
* **Jumbo pasta shells** – about 20 to 25 shells
* **Spaghetti sauce** – 3 cups (homemade or store-bought)
* **15 oz ricotta cheese** – creamy and perfect for stuffing
* **8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese** – melty goodness
* **1/2 cup Parmesan cheese**, freshly grated
* **1 egg** – helps bind the cheese filling
* **1 tablespoon chopped parsley** – fresh or dried
* **1 tablespoon chopped basil** – fresh gives the best flavor
* **1 teaspoon dried oregano** – adds a classic Italian touch
* **Salt and black pepper**, to taste
Optional for garnish:
* Fresh basil or parsley
* Extra Parmesan for topping
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## 👩🍳 Instructions
### Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the **jumbo pasta shells** until al dente according to package instructions – usually 9 to 11 minutes.
3. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Set aside.
> **Tip:** Don’t overcook the shells—they need to be firm enough to hold the filling without tearing.
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### Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling
1. In a large bowl, combine:
* **Ricotta cheese**
* **Half of the mozzarella** (reserve the other half for topping)
* **Parmesan cheese**
* **Egg**
* **Chopped parsley**
* **Chopped basil**
* **Dried oregano**
* **Salt and pepper** to taste
2. Mix until smooth and creamy.
> This filling is the heart of the dish – rich, herby, and full of flavor.
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### Step 3: Assemble the Shells
1. Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**.
2. Spread **1 cup of spaghetti sauce** on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each pasta shell with the cheese mixture.
4. Arrange the filled shells in the baking dish in a single layer.
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### Step 4: Sauce and Cheese Topping
1. Pour the remaining **spaghetti sauce** evenly over the filled shells.
2. Sprinkle the remaining **mozzarella cheese** on top.
3. Add extra **Parmesan cheese**, if desired.
> For extra depth, you can mix a bit of red pepper flakes into the sauce before baking.
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### Step 5: Bake to Perfection
1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for **25 minutes**.
2. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another **10–15 minutes**, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden.
> Let it rest for a few minutes before serving so the filling can settle.
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## 🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve your Stuffed Cheese Shells with:
* A crisp **Caesar salad**
* **Garlic bread** or focaccia
* A side of **roasted vegetables**
* A glass of **Chianti** or sparkling water with lemon
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## 💡 Tips & Variations
* **Add protein**: Stir in cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the sauce for a meatier version.
* **Make it spicy**: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the filling or sauce.
* **Make ahead**: Assemble the shells the day before and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
* **Freezer-friendly**: Freeze unbaked shells in a covered dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
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## 🧡 Final Thoughts
These **Stuffed Cheese Shells Baked** are the ultimate cozy dinner. They’re easy to make, full of cheesy goodness, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. It’s a comforting, classic dish that belongs in every home cook’s repertoire.
**If you try this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment and let us know how it turned out!**
**Mangia bene – eat well! 🍝🧀**
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