Heavenly Cheese-Filled Stuffed Shells Recipe to Enjoy Tonight

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering stuffed shells recipe that promises pure culinary delight.

Tender pasta shells nestled with rich, creamy cheese create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Each shell bursts with a delectable blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and herbs that melt together perfectly.

The golden-baked exterior hints at the incredible taste waiting inside these delightful pasta pockets.

Marinara sauce adds a vibrant, tangy complement that brings the entire dish to life.

Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top provides a salty, crisp finish that makes every bite irresistible.

You’ll want to savor this classic Italian-inspired masterpiece that turns an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 540 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s Inside Classic Stuffed Shells

• Jumbo Shells: Sturdy pasta pockets perfect for holding rich, savory fillings; choose unbroken shells with smooth surfaces for elegant presentation.

• Ground Turkey, Ground Beef: Lean protein source that adds hearty texture; select fresh, minimal fat content for lighter dish.
• Onions, Green Peppers: Aromatic vegetables that provide depth and subtle crunch; pick firm, vibrant-colored produce for maximum flavor.
• Garlic: Flavor powerhouse that enhances overall taste profile; choose fresh cloves with tight, unblemished skin.
• Italian Seasoning, Fennel Seeds, Red Pepper Flakes: Spice blend that creates complex, Mediterranean-inspired flavor notes; ensure herbs are fresh and fragrant.

• Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates luxurious, silky texture; select high-fat content cream for richest consistency.
• Butter: Provides rich, smooth base for Alfredo sauce; opt for unsalted butter to control salt levels.
• Shallots: Delicate allium that adds sophisticated undertone; choose firm, lightweight shallots.
• Italian Cheese Blend, Parmesan: Melting cheeses that deliver incredible depth; select freshly grated varieties for superior melting.
• Mozzarella: Delivers classic stretchy, golden cheese topping; pick low-moisture variety for best melting performance.

Tools to Make Stuffed Pasta Shells

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta shells with plenty of water.
• Skillet: Perfect for sautéing onions, peppers, and cooking ground turkey.
• Saucepan: Needed for creating creamy Alfredo sauce with butter and cream.
• Baking dish: Crucial for assembling and baking the stuffed shells.
• Colander: Used to drain and rinse cooked pasta shells.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring sauces and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring cups: Helpful for accurately measuring cream and ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Necessary for chopping onions, garlic, and peppers.
• Cheese grater: Optional for freshly grating mozzarella and parmesan.

Step-by-Step Stuffed Shell Recipe

• Pasta Foundation

Boil jumbo shells until soft and pliable. Drain carefully and set aside to cool, allowing them to rest and become perfect vessels for delicious ingredients.

• Savory Filling Preparation

Sizzle ground turkey with aromatic vegetables, creating a rich and flavorful base. Season generously with herbs and spices that will make taste buds dance with excitement.

• Creamy White Sauce

Craft a velvety Alfredo sauce by gently melting butter and blending with cream. Incorporate cheese until the mixture transforms into a smooth, luxurious coating that will elevate the entire dish.

• Shell Transformation

Carefully stuff each shell with the seasoned turkey mixture, nestling them into a baking dish. Drench the shells with both tomato and white sauces, ensuring every nook receives maximum flavor.

• Final Flourish

Sprinkle a generous layer of melted cheese on top, allowing it to become golden and bubbly. Bake until the edges crisp and the center becomes a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Let the dish rest briefly before serving to allow flavors to meld perfectly.

Flavor Fillings for Your Stuffed Shells

• Swap ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or plant-based crumbles for different protein options that match your dietary preferences.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like ricotta, provolone, or goat cheese to create unique flavor profiles in your filling and sauce.
• Prepare the stuffed shells a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal prep strategy.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the turkey mixture for increased nutrition and depth of flavor.
• Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes, or try different spice blends like smoked paprika or cayenne for a personalized kick.

Serving Stuffed Shells That Wow

• Elegant Dinner Party Centerpiece: Transform your stuffed shells into a stunning main course for an intimate gathering. Arrange them beautifully on a large white platter with fresh herb sprigs for an impressive presentation.
• Wine Pairing Paradise: Complement the rich flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or a crisp Pinot Grigio. The wine's acidity will balance the creamy Alfredo and savory turkey perfectly.
• Healthy Side Companions: Serve alongside a light mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette or roasted vegetable medley. These sides will add freshness and nutritional balance to the hearty main dish.
• Leftover Lunch Magic: Reheat shells the next day in the microwave or oven, and pack them for a delicious work or school lunch. They taste even better after the flavors have melded overnight.

Storage Advice for Pasta Shell Dishes

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare double the recipe and divide into individual portions for quick weeknight meals that save time and reduce daily cooking stress. Perfect for busy families or solo diners wanting delicious ready-to-go meals.
• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Store leftover stuffed shells in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Place shells in a single layer to maintain texture and prevent soggy edges, keeping each bite as delicious as the first serving.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap unbaked stuffed shells tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing them flat in the freezer for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking to maintain optimal flavor and consistency.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated shells in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covered with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of extra tomato sauce or Alfredo sauce to restore moisture and freshness before serving.

Cheesy Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Cheesy stuffed shells combine ricotta, spinach, and herbs in perfectly al dente pasta pockets. Hearty Italian-American comfort cuisine delights diners with rich flavors and satisfying textures you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded Italian cheese blend
• ½ cup (120 ml) mozzarella or parmesan
• ½ stick (113 grams / 4 oz) unsalted butter
• 1 tsp (5 ml) olive oil
• ½ shallot, minced
• 2 cloves garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat: Warm the oven to 375°F, creating an ideal baking environment for the shells.
2. Pasta Preparation: Cook jumbo shells in salted water until tender, then rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent adhesion.
3. Vegetable Foundation: Sauté onions, green peppers, and garlic in olive oil until fragrant and translucent, developing a robust flavor base.
4. Protein Integration: Brown ground turkey in the skillet, breaking into small pieces and seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, fennel seeds, salt, and pepper.
5. Sauce Development: Combine tomato sauce with seasoned turkey mixture, simmering to marry flavors and create a rich, complex sauce.
6. Alfredo Creation: Craft a velvety sauce by melting butter, adding garlic and shallots, then incorporating heavy whipping cream, Italian cheese blend, and parmesan, seasoning with pasta water, salt, pepper, and roasted garlic powder.
7. Assembly: Layer baking dish with tomato sauce, carefully stuff shells with turkey mixture, generously drizzle Alfredo sauce, and top with shredded mozzarella.
8. Baking: Slide into preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles with golden perfection.
9. Finishing Touch: Rest the dish for 10 minutes, allowing shells to set, then garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Choose jumbo shells that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking and consistent stuffing.
• Flavor Boost: Toast fennel seeds briefly before adding to the turkey mixture to intensify their aromatic qualities and enhance overall taste.
• Sauce Salvation: Let Alfredo sauce simmer gently to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy texture without burning.
• Resting Ritual: Allowing the dish to rest after baking helps flavors meld and makes serving cleaner and more elegant.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 45g
• Saturated Fat: 28g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 140mg