Easy Ina Garten Stuffed Shells Recipe: Cozy Comfort in Minutes

Stuffed shells transform ordinary pasta into a comforting culinary adventure that beckons hungry families to the dinner table.

These delicate pasta pockets cradle a rich, creamy filling that promises pure indulgence with every bite.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a harmonious medley of flavors and textures.

Soft cheese and vibrant greens nestle inside delicate pasta shells, promising a meal that feels both elegant and homey.

Each shell becomes a miniature treasure, waiting to surprise you with its delectable contents.

The magic happens when simple ingredients merge into something extraordinary, elevating a classic dish to new heights.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this irresistible comfort food:

Why Ina Garten’s Stuffed Shells Are Crowd-Pleasing

• Savor Layered Mediterranean Comfort: This stuffed shells recipe delivers a delightful harmony of Italian-inspired flavors with creamy ricotta, vibrant spinach, and zesty tomato sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Effortless Gourmet Weeknight Magic: Despite looking impressive, the dish comes together surprisingly easily with simple techniques and minimal prep, making restaurant-quality dinner achievable in just over an hour without complicated culinary skills.
• Nutritious Cheesy Vegetarian Delight: Packed with protein-rich cheeses and nutrient-dense spinach, these shells offer a balanced meal that doesn't compromise on taste, providing a satisfying vegetarian option that even meat lovers will adore.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleasing Centerpiece: The recipe allows flexible variations like swapping cheeses or adding different herbs, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual entertaining where everyone can enjoy a personalized touch.

All You Need for Ina Garten Stuffed Shells

• Olive Oil: Provides a rich, smooth base for the sauce and helps develop deep flavors.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and classic Italian flavor to the sauce.
• Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes create the primary sauce component with bright, tangy flavor.
• Oregano: Classic herb that brings authentic Italian seasoning to the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and spicy kick to the sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance overall flavor profile.

• Pasta Shells: Large shells perfect for stuffing with creamy cheese mixture.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy, soft cheese that creates a smooth, rich filling base.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a stretchy, mild cheese texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp, salty finish to the cheese mixture.
• Spinach: Adds nutritious green color and earthy flavor to the filling.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that brings brightness and color to the mixture.
• Egg: Helps bind the cheese and spinach filling together.
• Lemon Zest: Introduces a bright, citrusy note to cut through the richness.

• Additional Parmesan Cheese: For garnishing and extra cheesy flavor.
• Additional Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy topping for heat lovers.

Quick Steps for Ina Garten Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Create Flavorful Tomato Sauce

• Crushed tomatoes
• Oregano
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Bring to a boil, then simmer until sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 2: Prepare Pasta Shells

Preheat oven to 375˚F. Boil a pot of salted water and cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Spread shells on a baking sheet to cool.

Step 3: Prepare Spinach Filling

Sauté spinach in a skillet over medium-high heat until wilted. Transfer to a kitchen towel-lined plate. Squeeze out excess moisture and chop finely.

Step 4: Mix Cheese Filling

• Cooked spinach
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley
• Parmesan cheese
• Lemon zest
• 1 beaten egg
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly until well blended.

Step 5: Assemble Stuffed Shells

Spread half the tomato sauce in a baking dish. Fill pasta shells with spinach-ricotta mixture. Arrange shells in the dish. Top with remaining sauce.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

Cover dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until lightly browned. Let rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes before serving.

Chef’s Tips for a Delicious Ina Garten Stuffed Shells

• Unlock Flavor Depth: Let stuffed shells rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and herbs to release full aroma.
• Elevate with Zesty Surprise: Sprinkle fresh lemon zest for an unexpected bright pop that transforms the entire dish's flavor profile.
• Chop Herbs Like a Pro: Cut parsley moments before mixing to preserve its vibrant green color and most intense fresh taste.
• Personalize Spice Level: Customize red pepper flakes to match your exact heat tolerance and flavor preference.
• Prepare Ahead with Ease: Assemble shells a day early and refrigerate, giving flavors time to mingle and simplifying mealtime preparation.

Storing Ina Garten Stuffed Shells

• Freezer Portioning: Divide shells into single-serving freezer-safe containers for convenient future meals. Pack shells carefully without overcrowding, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal taste.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store shells in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, positioning them in a single layer to prevent sticking and preserve their delicate structure. Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Reheating Technique: Warm shells in a preheated oven at 350˚F, covering with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and prevent edges from becoming dry or crispy. Allow 15-20 minutes for even heating, checking occasionally to maintain perfect texture and prevent overcooking.

Easy Variations on Ina Garten Stuffed Shells

• Mediterranean Makeover: Swap spinach with sautéed kale and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Protein Power Shells: Replace spinach with ground turkey or chicken, mixing it with ricotta and adding Italian herbs for a heartier meal.
• Seafood Sensation: Incorporate cooked shrimp or crab meat into the cheese mixture, enhancing the filling with fresh dill and lemon zest for a coastal touch.
• Vegetable Explosion: Mix in roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms to create a more complex and nutritious vegetarian version of the classic stuffed shells.

Final Reflections on Ina Garten Stuffed Shells

Garten’s stuffed shells embody pure Italian-American comfort, blending rustic charm with sophisticated flavors.

Mediterranean ingredients dance across palate landscapes, creating memorable culinary experiences.

Shell pockets burst with creamy ricotta and earthy spinach, promising delightful dinner conversations.

Mediterranean traditions shine through each carefully crafted bite, connecting family and friends around shared meals.

Pasta perfection awaits those seeking genuine home-cooked happiness.

Passionate cooks, dive into this recipe – share your kitchen adventure, comment below, and spread deliciousness across social platforms!

Ina Garten Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s stuffed shells bring Italian comfort to your dinner table with rich ricotta and marinara magic. Cheesy pasta pockets deliver a warm embrace of flavor that draws families together for memorable meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Cheese:

• 9 ounces (255 grams) jumbo pasta shells (30 to 34 shells)
• 2 cups (454 grams) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping

Sauce and Seasonings:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cans of San Marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Pinch of red pepper flakes, plus more for topping
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground pepper

Herbs and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 8-ounce (226 grams) bag of fresh spinach
• ⅓ cup (20 grams) finely chopped fresh parsley
• 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) extra-virgin olive oil

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Instructions

1. Create a robust tomato sauce by warming olive oil (30 milliliters or 2 tablespoons) in a spacious pot over medium-high temperature. Introduce minced garlic and sauté until achieving a golden hue. Incorporate whole crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Allow the mixture to reach a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and develops rich depth, approximately 15-20 minutes.
2. Activate the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). In a large pot of salted water, cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and spread shells individually on a clean baking sheet to prevent sticking and facilitate cooling.
3. In a separate skillet, heat additional olive oil over medium heat. Add fresh spinach leaves and cook until completely wilted and dark green. Transfer to a kitchen towel, carefully squeeze out excess moisture, and finely chop the leaves to ensure even distribution in the filling.
4. Within a generously sized mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, finely chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, beaten egg, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are uniformly integrated.
5. Pour half of the prepared tomato sauce into a rectangular baking dish, creating an initial flavor foundation. Carefully stuff each cooled pasta shell with the spinach-ricotta mixture, arranging them neatly in a single layer. Generously ladle the remaining tomato sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Shield the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, allowing the ingredients to heat through and flavors to meld. Remove the foil and continue baking an additional 10-12 minutes until the edges develop a light golden-brown coloration. Allow the dish to rest for 8-10 minutes before serving, then garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for enhanced flavor complexity.

Notes

• Freeze unbaked shells for convenient future meals, storing up to 3 months for quick dinners.
• Maximize flavor by using room temperature ingredients for smooth, consistent filling texture.
• Let dish rest after baking to allow filling to set and flavors to beautifully combine.
• Serve alongside crisp green salad and crusty bread for a complete, satisfying dining experience.
• Leftovers develop deeper, richer tastes overnight, making next-day lunch even more delicious.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 560 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg