Easy special occasion Stuffed Shells Recipe

Name: Easy special occasion Stuffed Shells
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 18 to 20 jumbo pasta shells; 2 cups ricotta cheese; 5 ounces fresh spinach; 1/4 cup grated pecorino cheese; 2 cloves garlic (grated); 3/4 teaspoon sea salt; 2 cups marinara sauce; Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Published: December 12, 2025

by Victoria

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: This recipe requires minimal effort, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the holidays with loved ones.
Flavorful Filling: The combination of ricotta, spinach, and spices creates a deliciously creamy filling that bursts with flavor.
Versatile Dish: Serve these stuffed shells as a main course for special occasion dinner or at any festive gathering.
Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the shells in advance and bake them just before serving, saving you time on busy days.
Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors of the dish make it visually appealing, adding a festive touch to your table.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools on hand is essential. Below are some tools that will help you create this Easy special occasion Stuffed Shells Recipe effortlessly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Baking dish
Mixing bowl
Oven

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Ideal for boiling pasta shells evenly without overcrowding.
Baking dish: Great for holding all your stuffed shells together while baking to perfection.
Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently.
Oven: Ensures even cooking and browning of the stuffed shells.

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Shells

18 to 20 jumbo pasta shells
Extra-virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
5 ounces fresh spinach
2 cups ricotta cheese (16 ounces)
1/4 cup grated pecorino cheese (and extra for sprinkling)
2 grated garlic cloves
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3/4 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for pasta water)
Freshly ground black pepper

For Serving

2 cups marinara sauce (plus extra for serving)
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

How to Make Easy special occasion Stuffed Shells Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your stuffed shells cook evenly once you place them in.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Ricotta cheese,
2. Pecorino cheese,
3. Spinach,
4. Garlic,
5. Oregano,
6. Lemon zest,
7. Red pepper flakes,
8. Sea salt, and
9. Freshly ground black pepper.

Mix well until all ingredients are fully integrated.

Step 4: Fill the Shells

Take each cooked shell and carefully fill it with the ricotta mixture using a spoon or piping bag.

Step 5: Assemble in Baking Dish

Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the filled shells on top of the sauce in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and cover with remaining marinara sauce.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Remove foil and sprinkle with additional pecorino cheese before baking uncovered for another 10 minutes until golden brown.

Step 7: Serve

Once baked, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot with extra marinara sauce on the side. Enjoy your Easy special occasion Stuffed Shells!

How to Serve Easy special occasion Stuffed Shells Recipe

Serving Easy special occasion Stuffed Shells is a delightful way to impress your guests during the holidays. Pair these stuffed shells with complementary sides and garnishes to create a festive table.

With a Side Salad

A crisp mixed greens salad adds freshness. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette for a tangy contrast.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. This simple touch makes the dish look elegant.

Accompanied by Garlic Bread

Serve with warm garlic bread to scoop up any extra marinara sauce. It’s an easy and delicious addition that everyone loves.

With Extra Marinara Sauce

Offer extra marinara sauce on the side. Guests can add more sauce as they prefer, enhancing the dish’s flavor.

Paired with Roasted Vegetables

Roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots complement the stuffed shells well. They add color and nutrition to your meal.

How to Perfect Easy special occasion Stuffed Shells Recipe

For the best results, follow these tips when making your Easy special occasion Stuffed Shells.

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and quality cheeses make a noticeable difference in taste.
Don’t overcook pasta: Cook the jumbo shells al dente so they hold their shape when stuffed.
Adjust seasoning: Taste the filling before stuffing to ensure it has enough flavor; adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Allow resting time: Let the assembled dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps flavors meld together beautifully.
Cover while baking: Cover your dish with foil during baking to prevent drying out, then uncover for the last few minutes for browning.

Best Side Dishes for Easy special occasion Stuffed Shells Recipe

When serving Easy special occasion Stuffed Shells, consider pairing them with these delicious side dishes that enhance your holiday meal.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting addition.
Roasted Asparagus: A light and vibrant choice that brings a crunch alongside your rich pasta dish.
Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil create a refreshing contrast.
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: These roasted sprouts add a sweet tanginess that complements the stuffed shells nicely.
Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory mushrooms filled with cheese and herbs make an excellent appetizer or side.
Creamy Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the stuffed shells.
Herbed Quinoa: Lightly seasoned quinoa adds protein and fiber while keeping your meal healthy.
Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks topped with cheese are perfect for dipping into marinara sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Easy special occasion Stuffed Shells Recipe, avoiding common pitfalls will enhance your dish’s flavor and presentation.

Using the wrong pasta shells: Ensure you use jumbo pasta shells for the best stuffing results. Regular-sized shells won’t hold enough filling.
Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season your stuffing well. A pinch of salt and some herbs can elevate the flavor significantly.
Not draining spinach properly: Excess moisture from spinach can make your filling watery. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible before mixing.
Overcooking the pasta: Cook the shells al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents them from becoming mushy.
Ignoring sauce layering: Layering marinara sauce at the bottom of the baking dish prevents sticking and adds extra flavor to your Easy special occasion Stuffed Shells Recipe.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Easy special occasion Stuffed Shells Recipe

Place stuffed shells in a freezer-safe container.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months before baking.

Reheating Easy special occasion Stuffed Shells Recipe

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake for about 20 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes until warm, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or sauce to prevent sticking, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this Easy special occasion Stuffed Shells Recipe.

Can I make Easy special occasion Stuffed Shells Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance. Just assemble and refrigerate before baking.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese or cream cheese can work well as alternatives in this Easy special occasion Stuffed Shells Recipe.

How do I customize this Easy special occasion Stuffed Shells Recipe?

Feel free to add cooked meat like chicken or sausage, or swap spinach for other greens such as kale or Swiss chard.

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Absolutely! Using store-bought marinara saves time while still delivering great flavor in your Easy special occasion Stuffed Shells Recipe.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes! These stuffed shells are perfect for meal prep; just portion them out after cooking and store properly.

Final Thoughts

The Easy special occasion Stuffed Shells Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it according to your taste preferences, whether by adding different vegetables or proteins. It’s a fantastic main dish that brings joy to any holiday table. Give it a try this season!

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