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–+ servings
stuffed shells on a blue plate surrounded by tomato sauce
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5 from 4 votes

Stuffed Shells For One

This single serving stuffed shells recipe features jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta mixture, topped with marinara and melted mozzarella. It’s easy to make and bakes in just 30 minutes for a delicious, homemade meal.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Diet: Vegetarian
Keyword: baked pasta, stuffed pasta shells, stuffed shells
Servings: 1 serving
Author: Joanie Zisk

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 6 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
  • ¼ cup ricotta cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  • ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese -divided
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup marinara sauce -divided
  • Optional: fresh basil or parsley for topping
US - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven: Set to 350°F (177°C).
  • Cook the Pasta: Boil the shells according to the package directions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and set aside.
  • Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix ricotta, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  • Add Cheese: Stir in the ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan.
  • Assemble the Dish: Spread ¼ cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 5x5-inch baking dish. Fill each shell with the ricotta mixture and place them in the dish.
  • Top and Bake: Spoon the remaining marinara over the shells and sprinkle with the remaining shredded mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  • Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
  • Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and serve.

Notes

  • Read the Recipe First: Review the full recipe and Ingredient Notes before starting. Stuffed shells come together quickly, so having everything prepped will make the process smoother.
  • Slightly Undercook the Pasta: Boil the shells 1–2 minutes less than the package suggests. They’ll soften more in the oven, and overcooked shells can tear and be harder to stuff.
  • Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that prevent smooth melting. For the best texture, shred mozzarella and Parmesan from a block.
 
If doubling the recipe use a 6x8 inch baking dish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 467kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 52mg | Sodium: 1068mg | Potassium: 428mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 995IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 488mg | Iron: 2mg

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