14 Stuffed Shell Recipes You Can't Miss (2024)

With these14 Stuffed Shells Recipes, you will soon find variations you didn’t know existed. These delicious pasta creations are so good you will be smitten and ready to put on your apron.

How do we know you’ll be head over heels?

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Well, because we fell hard for theHomemade Manicotti,Seafood Stuffed Shells, andPumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells, and that’s just a few of the delicious options you’ll find on this incredible list. So are you ready to discover the tasty?

Let’s dive in!

Turkey Alfredo Stuffed Shells

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If you’re in the market for a new way to use leftover or ground turkey, look no further than this scintillatingTurkey Alfredo Stuffed Shellsrecipe by Lori of Foxes Love Lemons. What with turkey, pasta shells, and creamy homemade Alfredo sauce (which is way better than the jarred stuff)? It’s a fall weather dish that has comfort written all over it. You’re going to love it.

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

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Trisha knows a thing or three about aSalty Side Dish, as epitomized by thisBuffalo Chicken Stuffed Shellsrecipe. So indeed, you’ve had Buffalo chicken wings and dip before. Heck, we evenstuffed pretzels with buffalo dip. However, this time you stuff tender pasta shells with Buffalo-flavored shredded chicken, cottage cheese, and shredded cheese for a fun meal with “Friday night dinner” written all over it.

Italian Sausage Stuffed Shells

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If you’re a fan ofground Italian sausage, you’ll love thisItalian Sausage Stuffed Shellsrecipe, especially if you’reCraving Some Creativity. And if you’re not, you will be soon because each pasta shell is packed with ground sausage, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, sauce, and lots of seasoning. Plus, prep takes just 15 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights, but it’s fancy enough for dinner guests.

Crockpot Stuffed Shells

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Mama Loves Food, and you’ll love April’sCrockpot Stuffed Shellsrecipe. It’s a leisurely,tasty pasta dinnerthe whole fam will devour. So you’re sure to hit the replay button on this one. Here’s why. First, there are no fancy ingredients, and some, like ground beef, pasta sauce, and frozen spinach, you may already have. Second, it’s mostly hands-off. All you have to do is par-cook the shells, stuff them, and add the ingredients to your slow cooker, and voila!

Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

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TheseGiant Cheese Stuffed Shellsby Sandra ofShe’s Not Cookin’was inspired by the iconic Olive Garden menu item. So now you can have yourcomfort food favoriteright in your own home. First, you’ll needconchiglioni(or giant pasta shells), which may sound exotic, but it’s easy to find, just like all the other ingredients in this dish. It’s simple but so good.

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Ricotta Pumpkin Stuffed Shells

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With thisRicotta Pumpkin Stuffed Shellsrecipe, registered dietician Lizzie ofIt’s A Veg World After Allshares a healthy iteration of the stuffed shells she grew up eating. So rather than pasta overflowing with meat, Italian seasonings, and stretchy cheese, her inviting version calls for pureed pumpkin and fall flavorings like cloves, cinnamon, and sage.

Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Shells

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TheseAir Fryer Taco Stuffed Shellsfrom Brandie,The Country Cookis a viral Tik Tok sensation. There’s meat and cheese on the inside, and the shells have a satisfying crunch on the outside. Then, when they’re done, remember to serve them with taco-seasoned sour cream dipping sauce for a breeze of a meal ready in less than an hour.

BBQ Pulled Pork Stuffed Shells

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Want a clever solution for leftover pulled pork?Then you must see thisBBQ Pulled Pork Stuffed Shellsidea byErica’s Recipes. It’s not just shells stuffed with porky goodness, bbq sauce, and cheese. Nope! She takes the flavor much further with shallots, sun-dried tomatoes, cream cheese, and sour cream.

How To Make Manicotti From Scratch

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While the other shell recipes on this list called for conchiglie or seashell-shaped pasta, Kara ofGrains In Small Placesshows youHow to Make Manicotti From Scratch. Yes, her write-up optionally includes a homemade pasta shell recipe. But, if you “ain’t got time for that,” forgo the rewarding pasta-making process and use a premade brand. Because, after all, her recipe is still yummy with three kinds of cheese, parsley, garlic, nutmeg, and marinara.

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Ideal for many occasions, thisChicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shellsrecipe bySweet Pea Kitchenis appetite-inducing, nutrient-dense eats fit for a small army or yours and the neighbor kids. Here’s why they won’t be able to put down the fork. In less than 30 minutes in the oven, you can expect slightly crispy baked shells stuffed with a creamy mix of chicken, broccoli, and alfredo sauce inside.

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Cheeseburger Stuffed Shells Recipe

If you find yourself stuck deciding between burgers or pasta, save yourself the discontent and choose both with thisCheeseburger Stuffed Shells RecipebyThe Frugal Navy Wife. After boiling the pasta to al dente, stuff them with a mix of ground hamburger, relish, ketchup, and mustard. Next, add cheese and bake until gooey and golden brown.

Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo Stuffed Shells

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Whether you make thisSteak Gorgonzola Alfredo Stuffed Shellsby Kim ofThree Olives Branchfor a dinner party or because it’s a weekday dinner treat for yourself, you can’t go wrong. Because with four kinds of cheese (ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and gorgonzola), ground beef, alfredo sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes, you won’t be wanting for flavor.

Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells

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This Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells recipe from The Dizzy Cook gives the pumpkin stuffed version a run for the money. And although it’s a migraine diet recipe, it’s still amazing with deliciously convenient canned squash, creamy ricotta cheese, fresh sage, and a buttery, creamy bechamel sauce.

Seafood Stuffed Shells

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ThisSeafood Stuffed Shellsrecipe byDishes With Dadis our finalStuffed Shells Recipeslist entry. It’s chockfull of shrimp, scallops, and crab. Then there’s the cheeses: ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. And finally, there’s a luscious gourmet bechamel cream sauce that ties it all together before you put it in the oven to golden brown splendor.Perhaps we saved the best for last?

Which Sensational Stuffed Shells Recipe Will You Try First?

So you made it to the end of this sensational stuffed shells recipe collection, and you’ve come across oodles of stuffed pasta shells recipes. So, which ones are you most excited to try? Is it the Seafood Stuffed Shells, Cheeseburger Stuffed Shells, BBQ Pulled Pork Stuffed Shells, or something else? We’d love to know!

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14 Stuffed Shell Recipes You Can't Miss (2024)

FAQs

Should you freeze stuffed shells before or after baking? ›

2Should I cook Stuffed Shells before freezing? I don't recommend cooking the shells before freezing. Freeze them right BEFORE cooking (see instructions above).

What goes good with stuffed shells? ›

I often serve these stuffed shells with my Homemade Caesar Salad, but my Arugula Salad, Beet Salad, or Simple Green Salad would also pair well with this recipe. And when it comes to bread, you really can't go wrong! Stick with a crusty loaf, or make rosemary focaccia, garlic knots, or dinner rolls. Enjoy!

What is the difference between stuffed shells and manicotti? ›

You can accomplish this popular feat of Italian-American origin by following recipes for either manicotti or stuffed shells. Both pastas are meant to be stuffed. The difference is in the details. Literally translated, manicotti means “l*ttle muffs.” The large tubes are made for stuffing.

How long can you keep stuffed shells in fridge before cooking? ›

Making in Advance and Refrigerating

To store this (uncooked) stuffed shell recipe in the refrigerator, prepare according to recipe instructions then cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You may refrigerate for up to three days before baking according to recipe instructions.

Do frozen stuffed shells go bad? ›

Like most leftovers, your stuffed shells should last for three to four days in a fridge set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower . If you can't eat the extra stuffed shells so soon, put them in the freezer set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit and they will stay fresh for four months.

Why do stuffed shells get watery? ›

Stuffed shells can get watery for a few different reasons. One reason could be that the shells were not cooked long enough and they released water while cooking. Another reason could be that the filling was too wet, which made the shells soggy.

What temperature do you bake stuffed shells? ›

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spoon the cheese mixture into each pasta shell and place open side up, in a single layer, in prepared pan. Pour the rest of sauce over the stuffed shells. Loosely cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.

Why are my stuffed shells hard? ›

Don't overcook the shells!

The shells should be 1 minute shy of al dente– meaning they should still be a little firm/ have a “bite” because they will continue to cook in the oven. Also, if the shells are cooked al dente or over cooked, they will be flimsy and hard to stuff and can easily break when stuffing.

What are stuffed shells called in Italy? ›

The pasta called conchiglioni, usually marketed as “jumbo shells” here in the US, are filled with a ricotta cream enriched with mozzarella, napped with a simple marinara sauce and topped with a generous sprinkling of Parmesan before being baked in a hot oven.

How do you fill manicotti shells without breaking them? ›

It can be difficult to stuff the manicotti shells without breaking them, so you'll need to be gentle. We recommend using a long, narrow spoon or a piping bag.

Can I freeze uncooked stuffed shells? ›

Once the shells are stuffed place them on an ungreased baking sheet. Cover and place in the freezer. Once the stuffed shells are frozen, place them in a plastic freezer bag and seal the bag. Store frozen.

Can you freeze stuffed shells after cooking? ›

Yes, you can freeze stuffed shells or similar pasta for future use. To thaw them, simply transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight. Once thawed, you can cook them as you normally would, following the original recipe instructions.

Can I eat stuffed shells after a week? ›

Like most leftovers, your stuffed shells should last for three to four days in a fridge set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower . If you can't eat the extra stuffed shells so soon, put them in the freezer set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit and they will stay fresh for four months.

Can you freeze uncooked stuffed? ›

Reheat the cooked stuffing to 165 ºF just as for all leftovers. Do not stuff whole poultry with leftover cooked stuffing. It is safe to freeze uncooked stuffing.

How do you reheat frozen stuffed shells in the oven? ›

To reheat non-casserole baked pasta dishes, such as stuffed jumbo shells, place the shells in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake at 375 degrees until the shells' internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

Can you freeze cooked unstuffed shells? ›

This Unstuffed Shells Casserole is all the flavors of stuffed shells without all the work. This pasta can be made ahead of time and even frozen for an easy dinner. Great for feeding a crowd!

Can you freeze ricotta cheese mixture? ›

Can you freeze ricotta cheese mixture? Yes! Say you've made a pasta filling with ricotta cheese and other ingredients like Parmesan cheese, eggs and herbs, it is perfectly fine to freeze it. On thawing, excess liquid may need to be drained away but otherwise it will be good.

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