Marry Me Stuffed Shells

This Marry Me Stuffed Shells recipe delivers creamy, cheesy comfort that feels special enough for a date night but comes together easily on any weeknight. The combination of cheeses and tomato sauce makes it a satisfying meal that pleases the whole family with minimal fuss.

I discovered this recipe when I wanted something impressive yet simple. It quickly became a favorite because it brought together familiar flavors in a way that felt indulgent without being complicated.

Ingredients

• Jumbo pasta shells: provide the perfect vessels to stuff and bake filled with cheese
• Ricotta cheese: gives a creamy, rich texture choose whole milk ricotta for best results
• Mozzarella cheese: offers that irresistible melt and stretch fresh shredded works better than pre-packaged clumps
• Parmesan: adds a salty, nutty kick freshly grated will elevate the flavor
• Garlic: is essential for depth use fresh cloves minced finely
• Italian seasoning: blends herbs that bring warmth and complexity look for a fresh mix with oregano, basil, and thyme
• Tomato sauce: makes the base tangy and robust pick a quality jarred sauce without too much added sugar
• Heavy cream: enriches the sauce and softens acidity for a silky finish
• Olive oil: provides richness and helps meld the sauce ingredients together
• Salt and black pepper: balance all flavors adjusted to taste
• Fresh basil garnish: contributes brightness and a fresh aroma

Instructions

Preheat And Prepare:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Setting the oven temperature early ensures it is perfectly hot when ready to bake.

Mix Cheese Filling:

In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, one and a half cups shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until the mixture is creamy and fully blended. This filling will be the rich, flavorful heart of the dish so taking time to mix thoroughly makes a difference.

Prepare Sauce:

In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add tomato sauce and heavy cream. Stir continuously for about five minutes until the sauce is heated through and has slightly thickened. This blend of cream and tomato mellows acidity and creates a beautifully smooth texture.

Fill Shells:

Spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom of the greased baking dish to prevent sticking and infuse flavor from the start. Carefully fill each cooked jumbo pasta shell with the cheese mixture, using a spoon to fill them fully but gently. Place the shells upright with the open side facing up in the dish arranged neatly.

Assemble And Bake:

Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the stuffed shells covering them well. Sprinkle the leftover mozzarella cheese on top for a golden cheesy crust. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to keep moisture in, then bake for 25 minutes allowing the shells to heat through and meld flavors.

Finish Under Broiler:

Remove the foil and switch your oven to broil. Broil the shells for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbling and golden brown. Watch carefully during this step to avoid burning; this final step creates irresistible texture.

Rest And Garnish:

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking to set the filling and make serving easier. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the shells just before serving to add an herbaceous pop and lovely color contrast.

Mozzarella is my favorite ingredient here because it melts perfectly and forms that golden crust everyone loves. This dish always reminds me of the first time I made it for a special occasion and how the house smelled of toasted garlic and fresh herbs for hours.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in the oven or microwave to keep the shells moist and the cheese melty. For longer storage, freeze portions wrapped tightly and thaw overnight before reheating.

Ingredient Swaps

Ricotta can be swapped for cottage cheese mixed with a little cream cheese for a lighter filling. Use canned crushed tomatoes seasoned with garlic and herbs instead of jarred tomato sauce for a fresher taste. Try adding cooked spinach or sautéed mushrooms into the cheese mixture for a vegetable boost.

Serving Ideas

Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Offer garlic bread or a crusty baguette to mop up the delicious sauce. Pair with a glass of light red wine such as Pinot Noir or a sparkling Italian white for a complete meal experience.

This recipe brings creamy comfort and fresh flavors together in an easy and elegant dish that’s sure to impress every time.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What type of pasta shells work best?

Jumbo pasta shells are ideal as they hold ample filling and bake evenly without falling apart.

→ Can I substitute the cheeses?

Ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan offer complementary textures and flavors but you can experiment with similar soft and hard cheeses.

→ How do I prevent the shells from sticking?

Lightly greasing the baking dish and spreading a layer of sauce underneath helps keep them from sticking during baking.

→ What’s the purpose of heavy cream in the sauce?

The heavy cream adds richness and smoothness to the tomato sauce, balancing acidity and enhancing overall flavor.

→ Is fresh basil necessary for garnish?

Fresh basil adds a bright, herbal finish that complements the creamy filling and tangy tomato sauce beautifully.