If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that takes minimal effort, this easy stuffed shells recipe for busy days is exactly what you need. Creamy, cheesy, and baked in rich tomato sauce, this dish is perfect for weeknights when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
🍅 Ingredients
For the Pasta
20–25 jumbo pasta shells
Salt for boiling water
For the Cheese Filling
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
½ cup grated Parmesan
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Optional: chopped fresh spinach, parsley, or basil
For the Sauce
3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
🍅 How to Make It
1. Cook the Shells
Boil water with a generous pinch of salt.
Cook the jumbo shells until just al dente — they’ll finish in the oven.
Drain and let cool slightly so they’re easy to handle.
2. Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine:
✔ ricotta
✔ mozzarella
✔ Parmesan
✔ egg
✔ garlic
✔ Italian seasoning
✔ salt & pepper
Fold in spinach or herbs if using.
This creamy mixture makes every bite irresistible!
3. Stuff the Shells
Spoon or pipe the cheese filling into each shell.
You’ll want them nicely full but not overflowing.
4. Assemble the Dish
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish.
Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer.
Top with the remaining sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella.
5. Bake
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
🍅 Serve & Enjoy
Your easy stuffed shells recipe for busy days is ready to enjoy! Serve with:
A crisp green salad
Garlic bread
Steamed vegetables
A side of roasted broccoli or asparagus
It’s a cozy meal that tastes like it took much longer than it did.
⭐ Tips to Make It Even Easier
Use store-bought marinara to save time.
Prep the shells the night before — refrigerate and bake when ready.
Swap ricotta for cottage cheese if needed.
Add cooked ground beef or sausage for a heartier version.
Make a double batch and freeze half for another night.