Rich, creamy, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, these stuffed pasta shells are the ultimate comfort food that’s as easy to make as it is impressive to serve!
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 20 minutes.
Cook Time: 40 minutes
How Many Servings?
4-6 servings
These stuffed pasta shells are one of my favorite pasta dishes to cook for the whole family to enjoy—kids and adults alike! Tender pasta shells are filled with creamy ricotta and spiced meat mixture and then baked in a rich tomato sauce until bubbly and golden.
The creamy cheese, hearty spiced meat, and flavorful tomato sauce create a perfect harmony in every bite. It’s simple to prepare, yet elegant enough to impress guests when you’re entertaining. The best part? It can easily be made ahead and is freezer-friendly, making it a stress-free meal for any occasion.
Ingredients for Stuffed Pasta Shells
- Large Pasta Shells: These jumbo pasta shells are the perfect vessel for holding the rich, creamy filling. They create individual portions that are both satisfying and visually appealing.
- Ground Beef or Lamb (or a mix): The foundation of the filling, the ground meat adds a hearty, savory element to the dish. Lamb gives it a Mediterranean flair, while beef keeps it approachable and classic.
- Onion and Garlic: This flavorful duo forms the aromatic base for both the filling and the sauce. Finely chopped onion adds natural sweetness and depth, while minced garlic enhances the dish with its warm, savory notes. Together, they balance the bold spices and bring richness to every bite.
- Spices (Cumin, Paprika, Ground Cinnamon, Dried Oregano, Salt, and Pepper): This spice blend infuses the filling with bold Mediterranean flavors. The paprika and cumin add warmth, the cinnamon gives a subtle sweetness, and the oregano provides an earthy balance.
- Dried basil or Oregano: A touch of dried herbs enhances the sauce with an earthy, aromatic flavor, tying it back to the Mediterranean inspiration.
- Ricotta, Feta, and Parmesan Cheese: Ricotta adds creaminess, feta brings a tangy bite, and parmesan tops it all off with a salty, cheesy finish when baked.
- Egg: A lightly beaten egg binds the filling ingredients together, ensuring a cohesive texture when baked.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a fresh, herbal note to the filling, brightening the overall flavor.
- Pine Nuts (Optional): Toasted pine nuts bring a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the spiced filling.
- Olive Oil: High-quality olive oil is the base for the tomato sauce, adding depth and richness to the dish.
- Crushed Tomatoes: These form the base of the sauce, providing a tangy, slightly sweet contrast to the rich filling. Use canned or fresh, depending on what you have on hand.
Variations for Stuffed Pasta Shells
If you want to switch things up, here are some delicious variations for the stuffing:
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and replace it with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables. Combine them with ricotta, feta, and the same spice blend for a hearty and flavorful vegetarian filling.
- Seafood Twist: Swap the ground meat for cooked shrimp, crab, or even flaked salmon. Mix the seafood with ricotta, parsley, and a touch of lemon zest for a refreshing twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add heat to the filling by incorporating chili flakes, diced jalapeños, or even a drizzle of harissa paste. Perfect for spice lovers!
- Cheese Lovers: For an extra cheesy filling, mix in shredded mozzarella or gouda with the ricotta and feta. Top the shells with even more cheese for a gooey, decadent finish.
- Classic Spinach and Ricotta: Keep it traditional by mixing sautéed spinach with ricotta, parmesan, and a hint of nutmeg. This classic combination is always a hit.
What to Serve with Stuffed Pasta Shells
These stuffed pasta shells pair beautifully with fresh and vibrant sides to balance their rich flavors. A classic Greek salad with crisp vegetables, olives, and feta tossed in a zesty vinaigrette is always a great choice. For a Middle Eastern twist, a Fattoush salad with crunchy pita chips, fresh herbs, and a citrusy dressing adds brightness to the table. Grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers bring smoky, charred flavors that complement the pasta perfectly.
If you’re hosting a company, consider adding a roasted chicken as a hearty main dish alongside the stuffed shells. It’s an impressive combination that’s sure to please a crowd. Don’t forget to include some fresh bread, like warm pita or crusty sourdough, to soak up all that delicious tomato sauce. Together, these sides create a well-rounded, satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal.
How to Store and Reheat
- Leftover stuffed pasta shells are just as delicious the next day, and they store beautifully! To store, let the shells cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store them longer, place the shells in a freezer-safe dish, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating is easy! For refrigerated shells, place them in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F until heated through (about 20-25 minutes). If frozen, thaw the shells in the refrigerator overnight before reheating using the same method. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions—just cover the plate with a damp paper towel to keep the shells moist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Pasta Shells:
Prepare the Meat Filling
Add the ground beef or lamb, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Stir in cumin, paprika, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 more minutes to toast the spices. Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Make the Cheese Mixture
Make the Tomato Sauce:
Stuff the Shells
Fill each cooked pasta shell with the meat and cheese filling and arrange them in the baking dish, seam-side up.
Bake:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Serve
Mediterranean-style stuffed pasta shells filled with spiced meat, creamy ricotta, and baked in a rich tomato sauce. A comforting and flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining!
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 20 minutes.
Cook Time: 40 minutes
How Many Servings?
4-6 servings
Ingredients:
| 20-22 large pasta shells | |
| 1 tablespoon salt |
For the Meat Filling:
| 1 tablespoon olive oil | |
| 1 lb ground beef or lamb (or a mix of both) | |
| 1 small onion, finely chopped | |
| 3 cloves garlic, minced | |
| 1 teaspoon ground cumin | |
| 1 teaspoon sweet paprika | |
| 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon | |
| 1 teaspoon dried oregano | |
| Salt and black pepper, to taste |
For the Cheese Mixture:
| 1 cup ricotta cheese | |
| 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled | |
| 1 large egg, beaten | |
| 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped | |
| 1 tablespoon pine nuts (optional, toasted) |
For the Tomato Sauce:
| 2 tablespoons olive oil | |
| 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced | |
| 3 cups crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh) | |
| 1 teaspoon dried basil or oregano | |
| 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity) | |
| Salt and black pepper, to taste |
For Garnish:
| 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese | |
| Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for serving) |
Preparation
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add the ground beef or lamb, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Stir in cumin, paprika, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 more minutes to toast the spices. Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta, crumbled feta, beaten egg, chopped parsley, and pine nuts (if using). Add the cooled meat mixture to the bowl and stir everything together until well combined.
In a saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil or oregano, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce over the bottom of a large baking dish. Fill each cooked pasta shell with the meat and cheese filling and arrange them in the baking dish, seam-side up.
Spoon the remaining tomato sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving. Pair with warm bread or a light green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
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SharonThank you Rana. Loved this pasta recipe. The flavours were perfect.
The one thing I had to navigate through was the sauce ingredients and the sauce method did not match up so a little guesswork was required. I will happily make this many more times.-
Rana Madanat
Hi Sharon,
Thank you so much for your kind words and for trying the recipe! It makes me so happy to hear you loved the flavors—that really means a lot. 💛
I also truly appreciate your feedback about the sauce instructions. I took your note to heart and have already updated the recipe to make sure the ingredients and steps line up clearly. Thank you for helping me improve it—it’s thoughtful readers like you that make this community so special.
I’m thrilled to know you’ll be making it again! If you ever have any questions or want to explore more Mediterranean flavors, I’m always here.
Warmly,
Rana
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Did you try these stuffed pasta shells? I’d love to hear how they turned out for you! Leave a comment below with your feedback, any tweaks you made, or how you served them. Your thoughts make my day!