The Best Cheesy Stuffed Shells Recipe
Nothing says comfort food like a hearty plate of stuffed shells. This recipe is loaded with creamy ricotta, rich mascarpone, and gooey mozzarella, then topped with marinara and three-cheese sauce for a flavor-packed experience. Perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy weekends, or a romantic meal for two, these baked pasta shells are always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for family or looking to impress guests, this cheesy delight is sure to satisfy. Give it a try and see why it’s destined to become a favorite!
It’s been quite a while since our last game night, but I’ll never forget the incredible meal my friend Julie brought. She makes the best Italian dishes, and her stuffed shells were no exception – rich, cheesy, and absolutely delicious. Thankfully, she’s sharing her recipe so we can all enjoy this comforting dish anytime we want!
Serve it with a fresh Italian salad and a loaf of warm French bread, and you’ve got a meal your whole family will love.
Ingredients
To make this indulgent Italian recipe, you need the following ingredients:
- ½ box Barilla Jumbo Shells
- ½ jar marinara
- ½ jar 3 cheese sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 8.8 ounces mascarpone
- 1 cup fresh grated Parmesan
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, grated
- Fresh parsley
- Italian seasoning
How To Make Cheesy Stuffed Shells
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 13×9 pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Cook the shells for 9 minutes and then drain and let cool.
- Mix the ricotta, mascarpone, ½ of the Parmesan, ½ of the mozzarella, and the parsley (or add the parsley on top). [I use about ½ cup of fresh parsley. I put a little salt and pepper in with this mixture.]
- Mix the marinara and 3 cheese sauces together.
- Put half the sauce mixture into the prepared pan. Stuff the shells with the cheese mixture so they are full but can still close. Put them face up in the pan.
- Spread the remaining sauce mixture over the shells. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella over the shells. Sprinkle Italian seasoning on the top and the parsley, if not mixed in with the cheese.
- Cover and bake for about 30 – 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
If you enjoy hearty pasta dishes like these Loaded Shells, you’ll love my other Italian-inspired favorites. Try my comforting Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs, cheesy Julie’s Lasagna, and homemade Italian Seasoning that adds the perfect touch of flavor to any pasta night.
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
- ½ box Barilla Jumbo Shells
- ½ jar marinara
- ½ jar 3 cheese sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 8.8 ounces mascarpone
- 1 cup fresh grated Parmesan
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella
- Fresh parsley
- Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 13×9 pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Cook the shells for 9 minutes and then drain and let cool.
- Mix the ricotta, mascarpone, 1/2 of the Parmesan, 1/2 of the mozzarella, and the parsley (or you can wait and put parsley on top). [I use about 1/2 cup of fresh parsley. I put a little salt and pepper in with this mixture.]
- Mix the marinara and 3 cheese sauce together.
- Put half the sauce mixture on the bottom of the pan. Stuff the shells with the cheese mixture so they are full but still close. Put them face up in the pan.
- Spread the rest of the sauce mixture on top of the shells. Sprinkle the rest of the Parmesan and mozzarella on top of the shells.Sprinkle Italian seasoning on the top and the parsley if not mixed in with cheese.
- Cover and cook for about 30 – 40 minutes at 400 degrees.
Notes
Nutrition
How do you pronounce mascarpone?
According to a food encyclopedia, here is the breakdown –> [mah-skar-POH-nay]. In reality, mascarpone is a thickened cream and is often used to make tiramisu or cheesecake. (It can also be used to create a creamy spread.
Last Bite
Craving comfort food? Save this recipe to Pinterest, share it with your favorite pasta-loving friends, and leave a comment below to tell me how it turned out. I’d love to know your favorite way to serve these cheesy, sauce-filled shells!
This looks so delicious. I know my husband and I will both love this, so I can’t wait to try it. However, I’m not sure what a three cheese sauce is. Should I get a three cheese alfredo? Is that about the same thing? Thank you!
No, they’re not the same. Take a look at this picture of Prego’s Three Cheese Sauce. I would look for a similar substitute.
Ah, gotcha! Thanks!