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Close-up of a stuffed pasta shell topped with marinara sauce and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.
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Jumbo Stuffed Shells

Delicious jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a rich and creamy cheese mixture, topped with marinara sauce, and baked to golden perfection. This comforting dish is a family favorite and perfect for meal prep. Whether served as a hearty weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side, these stuffed shells never disappoint!
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Cooling time10 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: baked pasta, cheesy stuffed shells, easy Italian dinner, Stuffed pasta shells, weeknight dinner
Cooking Method: Oven-baked
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 8
Calories: 462kcal
Author: MelanieCooks.com

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 package jumbo pasta shells 16-ounce
  • 4 cups large curd cottage cheese
  • 12 ounces mozzarella cheese shredded
  • ¾ cup Parmesan cheese grated, divided
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 1 pinch garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1 jar spaghetti sauce 26-ounce

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions, about 8 minutes. Drain the shells and rinse them under cold water. Set aside to cool.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella, ½ cup of Parmesan, eggs, and garlic powder. Stir in dried oregano and parsley, crushing them lightly between your palms to release the flavor.
  • Carefully spoon the cheese mixture into each pasta shell, ensuring they are generously filled.
  • Spread ⅓ of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a 15x10-inch baking dish. Place the stuffed shells seam-side up in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the shells and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
  • Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
  • Let the dish cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy, baked stuffed shells!

Notes

  1. For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture or marinara sauce.
  2. To make ahead, prepare the unbaked shells and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. When ready, simply bake as directed.

Nutrition

Calories: 462kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.004g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Sodium: 1169mg | Potassium: 516mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 940IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 444mg | Iron: 2mg