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Stuffed Shells have to be one of the best comfort food dishes I prepare. What’s better than hearty stuffed pasta shells slathered in sauce and topped with gooey cheese? Whether you’re looking for a classic Italian-style meat-stuffed shell topped with gooey mozzarella, chicken stuffed shells, seafood stuffed shells, or even a lightened-up vegetarian option, I’ve got them all. What you’ll find here are stuffed shell recipes that have a flavorful filling inside tender pasta, topped with a rich sauce and a layer of melted cheese.
Stuffed Shells Have a Special Place On My Dinner Table
For me, a memorable stuffed shell recipe has a juicy and flavorful filling that’s stuffed inside tender pasta and then topped with sauce and cheese. Cold winter days always have me craving something rich and creamy and these stuffed shells recipes are just the thing. Though perfect for a weekday meal, I find some of these are also great for entertaining.
These recipes range from traditional ground beef stuffed shells to ground chicken, seafood, and even vegetarian-filled shells. For some, I top the shells with tomato sauce, and for others, I’ve added a layer of creamy Alfredo sauce for a truly indulgent meal. And just because I like to do things a little differently, I’ve created a few stuffed shell recipes with all my favorite Mexican ingredients. You’ll be surprised at how well they work in the shells. And, of course, everyone needs a slow cooker option where all you need to do is stuff the shells, layer everything in the crockpot, and let it work its magic.
Tips for Making the Best Stuffed Shells
- Al dente shells. Cook the pasta shells so they are al dente. Overcooked shells will be hard to fill and fall apart easily. You want the shells nice and firm, so they don’t tear when you fill them.
- Cool shells are easier to stuff. After the shells are drained, let them cool down for a few minutes so they are not only easier to handle but also less fragile. I’ll often flip them upside down to drain any excess water.
- Don’t overstuff the shells. Add just enough so they are about 90% full. If there is too much filling, the pasta may tear, and you’ll end up with filling oozing out into the pan.
- The filling should be thick. You don’t want a filling that is too liquid, as it will pool outside the shell and into the pan.
1. Italian Stuffed Shells Recipe
Italian Stuffed Shells Recipe
This Italian stuffed shells recipe features a lightened-up shell stuffing made with cottage cheese instead of ricotta, which is layered over a hearty meat sauce and then topped with more meat sauce and cheese. This meal is great for serving a crowd, though if it’s just my family, I find leftovers are great the next day.
2. Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe
Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe
For these chicken stuffed shells, I mix cubed, deboned, cooked chicken breast with the cheese mixture before stuffing it all into jumbo-sized pasta shells. Covered with marinara sauce, they are bursting with cheesy chicken and make an easy weeknight dinner.
3. Taco Stuffed Shells
Taco Stuffed Shells
I’m a true Mexican food lover, so I couldn’t resist preparing these taco stuffed shells featuring ground beef and salsa. Served with all my favorite taco toppings, I can never decide if this is a Taco Tuesday meal or our weekly pasta night dinner.
4. Cheesy Mexican Stuffed Shells
Cheesy Mexican Stuffed Shells
Cheesy Mexican stuffed shells also have ground beef mixed with taco seasoning and cream cheese that I stuff into the shells. For this Mexican-inspired version, I top them off with taco sauce, crushed corn chips, and cheese.
5. Seafood Stuffed Shells
Seafood Stuffed Shells
Seafood stuffed shells, though quick and easy to prepare, feel a little fancier than the other more traditional stuffed shell recipes. Shrimp, crab, and white sauce make them more of a restaurant-type meal that I like to serve for dinner parties for an impressive meal.
6. Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Chicken Alfredo stuffed shells are another recipe I like to make when I entertain. It’s simple and easy to prepare, especially if I’ve got cooked chicken on hand and the Alfredo sauce already prepared. Sometimes, I’ll use store-bought if I’m really pressed for time, but I have to say, they turn out extra delicious when I have time to prepare it all from scratch.
7. Stuffed Shells with Spinach
Stuffed Shells with Spinach
Stuffed shells with spinach are one of my favorite Meatless Monday options. Soft and tender shells stuffed with spinach and cheese, covered with marinara sauce and cheese, are baked to bubbling perfection. No one ever misses the meat.
8. Crockpot Stuffed Shells
Crockpot Stuffed Shells
Crockpot stuffed shells are a vegetarian option that comes together easily, as there’s no need to boil the pasta. I just stuff the uncooked shells with the spinach and cheese mixture, layer on the sauce and cheese, and let the crockpot do its thing.
With all these options for stuffed shells, you’ll be hard-pressed to make the traditional meat-filled, tomato sauce-topped recipe again. So grab a fork, cozy up with a warm bowl of stuffed shells, and enjoy a comforting dinner that’s made for chilly nights.
