There’s just something magical about a bubbling dish of cheesy pasta that makes everyone feel right at home, isn’t there? If you’ve been craving a comforting meal that’s easy to prep yet feels special enough for Sunday dinner, this Stuffed Jumbo Shells Recipe is about to be your new go-to.
I remember the first time I made Jumbo Shell n’ Cheese — I was trying to impress my family with something more exciting than boxed mac and cheese, but I didn’t want anything complicated. One bite in, and we knew we’d found a keeper! This Easy Jumbo Shells and Cheese Bake is rich, creamy, and ridiculously satisfying — and best of all, it uses simple pantry staples.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Jumbo Shells and Cheese Bake
You could stick with plain pasta, but here’s why these cheesy stuffed shells are worth the (minimal) extra effort:
✅ Family Favorite: Even picky eaters can’t resist these cheesy, melty pasta pockets.
✅ Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch, freeze half, enjoy later.
✅ Customizable: Add spinach, sausage, or swap in your favorite cheeses.
✅ Budget-Friendly: Pantry pasta, a handful of cheeses — big flavor, small cost!
According to the National Pasta Association, over 79% of Americans eat pasta at least once a week — and stuffed pasta shells are a classic twist that feels fancier than your usual spaghetti night.
What You’ll Need for Jumbo Shell n’ Cheese
Ready to get cozy? Here’s your grocery list:
- 20–25 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt & ½ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make the Perfect Stuffed Jumbo Shells Recipe
1️⃣ Cook the Shells
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente. Be gentle — you don’t want torn shells! Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
2️⃣ Mix the Filling
In a mixing bowl, stir together ricotta, half the mozzarella, all the parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The egg helps the filling set up creamy and rich.
3️⃣ Stuff the Shells
Spread about ½ cup marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Stuff each shell generously with the cheese mixture and place seam-side up in the dish.
4️⃣ Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining marinara over the shells and sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella. Cover with foil.
5️⃣ Bake and Enjoy
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an extra 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Garnish with extra parsley. Serve hot!
Table: Pros and Cons of Homemade Jumbo Shell n’ Cheese
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Hearty, satisfying comfort food | Takes a bit longer than plain pasta |
| Kid and freezer friendly | Filling each shell takes patience |
| Easy to customize with veggies/meat | Hard to resist second (or third!) helpings |
| Great for feeding a crowd | Might spoil you for boxed pasta forever! |
Real-Life Tip:
“When stuffing shells, use a small spoon or a piping bag for less mess and even filling,” says Chef Laura Bianchi, a pasta-making instructor in New York. “Also, don’t overcook your shells — slightly firm shells hold their shape better in the oven.”
FAQs: Stuffed Jumbo Shells Recipe & Easy Jumbo Shells and Cheese Bake
1. Can I freeze stuffed jumbo shells?
Yes! Assemble the shells, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. When ready, bake from frozen (add about 15–20 extra minutes).
2. What’s the best cheese for stuffed shells?
A mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan gives the perfect creamy, melty texture.
3. Can I add meat to these shells?
Absolutely — brown some ground beef, sausage, or turkey and mix it into the cheese filling or the sauce.
4. How do I keep the shells from tearing?
Cook them just until al dente and handle gently. Stir carefully while boiling so they don’t stick.
5. What sides go well with stuffed shells?
A crisp green salad and garlic bread are classics. Roasted veggies are great too.
6. Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when you’re ready.
7. How long do leftovers last?
Stored in an airtight container, they’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Final Thoughts
So the next time you’re craving cozy, cheesy goodness, skip the box and give this Stuffed Jumbo Shells Recipe a try. This Easy Jumbo Shells and Cheese Bake is pure comfort — simple enough for a weeknight, special enough for a Sunday dinner with loved ones.
Got a secret family twist? Maybe you love adding spinach, a splash of cream, or spicy sausage? I’d love to hear how you make your Jumbo Shell n’ Cheese your own — drop your best tips in the comments below!
✅ Suggested LSI Keywords: cheesy stuffed pasta, baked pasta casserole, ricotta stuffed shells, family pasta bake, comfort food dinner, easy pasta bake, homemade stuffed shells.
If you’d like, I can make you a matching Pinterest board description, Pin title + ALT text, or a recipe card template. Batao dost — I’m ready!
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