Cheesy Stuffed Shells Casserole Recipe

Discover this delicious homemade Cheesy Stuffed Shells Casserole recipe from www.podiumrecipes.com. Easy to make with ricotta cheese, perfect for family dinners and Italian food lovers.

Cheese Stuffed Shells Casserole

Nothing says comfort food quite like a bubbling, golden Cheesy Stuffed Shells Casserole fresh from the oven. This incredible pasta recipe combines tender jumbo shells with a rich, creamy ricotta filling and melted cheese that creates the perfect Italian comfort meal. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for a satisfying vegetarian option, this baked casserole delivers restaurant-quality flavors right in your own kitchen.

This pasta dish is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The combination of three cheeses – ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan – creates layers of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, this recipe can be prepared ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for meal prep or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Shells:

• 1 box (12 oz) jumbo pasta shells
• 1 tablespoon salt (for cooking water)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Cheese Filling:

• 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

For the Sauce:

• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Topping:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil for garnish

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving (serves 6):

• Calories: 485
• Protein: 28g
• Total Carbs: 42g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Total Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 890mg
• Calcium: 520mg
• Iron: 2.5mg

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for cooking the pasta shells.
2. Cook the jumbo shells according to package directions until al dente, typically 10-12 minutes. Be careful not to overcook as they will continue cooking in the oven.
3. Drain the shells and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
2. Add the egg, minced garlic, fresh basil, parsley, salt, pepper, and nutmeg to the cheese mixture.
3. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the filling is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the marinara sauce, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
2. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Spread 1 cup of the prepared sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baked dish.
2. Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each pasta shell with the ricotta mixture, placing them in the prepared dish.
3. Pour the remaining sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well covered.
4. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.

Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Stuffed Shells Casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes to create a complete meal. Serve alongside a crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens with Italian vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheese. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread makes an excellent accompaniment for soaking up any extra sauce.

For a more elaborate family dinner, consider starting with bruschetta or antipasto platters featuring olives, cured meats, and additional cheese. A glass of Chianti or Sangiovese wine complements the Italian flavors perfectly for adult diners.

This dish also works wonderfully as part of a buffet spread for entertaining. The casserole format makes it easy to serve large groups, and the impressive presentation will have your guests thinking you spent hours in the kitchen.

Pro Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shells

Cook the pasta shells just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking. This easy technique ensures your shells maintain their shape and texture throughout the cooking process.

When filling the shells, use a small spoon or piping bag for easy and even distribution of the ricotta mixture. This professional tip helps create uniform portions and prevents overfilling.

For the best flavor, use high-quality ricotta cheese and freshly grated Parmesan. The quality of your cheese directly impacts the final taste of this meat-free recipe.

Make this dish ahead of time by assembling the casserole and refrigerating for up to 24 hours before baking. This make-ahead tip is perfect for busy schedules and actually allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Variations and Substitutions

Meat Lover’s Variation

Transform this vegetarian recipe into a hearty meat dish by adding 1 pound of cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or turkey to the ricotta mixture. This alternative creates a more substantial meal perfect for meat lovers.

Spinach and Ricotta Variation

Add 1 cup of chopped, drained spinach to the cheese filling for extra nutrition and color. This substitute adds vitamins and creates a classic Italian flavor combination.

Gluten-Free Alternative

Substitute regular pasta shells with gluten-free varieties available at most grocery stores. This variation allows those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy this delicious recipe without compromise.

Lighter Version

Use part-skim ricotta and reduce the amount of cheese for a lower-calorie alternative. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for half of the ricotta to increase protein content while reducing calories.

Vegan Variation

Create a dairy-free alternative by using vegan ricotta and cheese substitutes. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor while keeping the dish completely plant-based.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I freeze this Cheesy Stuffed Shells Casserole? A: Yes, this recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Q: How do I prevent the pasta shells from breaking? A: Cook the shells just until al dente and handle them gently when filling. Using a slotted spoon to remove them from the water helps prevent breakage.

Q: Can I make this recipe in individual portions? A: Absolutely! Divide the ingredients among 6 individual baked dishes for personal-sized servings. Reduce the baking time to 15-20 minutes for smaller portions.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? A: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Q: Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta? A: Yes, cottage cheese works as a substitute, though the texture will be slightly different. Drain excess liquid from cottage cheese before using in this recipe.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Stuffed Shells Casserole recipe proves that homemade Italian comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for any family dinner or special occasion. The combination of creamy ricotta, melted cheese, and tender pasta creates a meal that satisfies both vegetarian diners and meat lovers alike.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – whether you choose the classic vegetarian version or one of the many variations, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish that brings people together around the dinner table. The make-ahead convenience makes it an ideal choice for busy families or entertaining guests.

We encourage you to try this incredible recipe and share your results with us. Don’t forget to leave a comment below sharing your favorite variation or tips for making this dish even better. For more delicious recipes like this one, visit www.podiumrecipes.com where you’ll find hundreds of easy, homemade meal ideas that will transform your cooking experience.

Ready to create more memorable family dinners? Explore our collection of pasta recipes, casserole ideas, and Italian classics at www.podiumrecipes.com – your trusted source for recipes that bring families together one meal at a time.