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There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a warm, cheesy pasta dish to bring everyone to the table. Classic Stuffed Shells are a timeless favorite, featuring jumbo pasta shells generously filled with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, then nestled in a rich marinara sauce. But what makes this dish even better? It’s completely freezer-friendly! Whether you’re meal prepping for busy weeknights, stocking up for a special occasion, or just want to have a hearty, homemade dinner ready at a moment’s notice, these stuffed shells are the ultimate make-ahead meal. They freeze beautifully and bake up bubbly and delicious straight from the freezer. Perfect for family dinners or sharing with friends, this recipe is as convenient as it is comforting. Let’s dive into how you can make, freeze, and savor this classic dish anytime!

Stuffed Shells (Freezer Friendly)

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a warm, cheesy pasta dish to bring everyone to the table. Classic Stuffed Shells are a timeless favorite, featuring jumbo pasta shells generously filled with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, then nestled in a rich marinara sauce. But what makes this dish even better? It’s completely freezer-friendly!
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients
  

Method
 

  1. Cook the Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo shells until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and run the shells under cold water to cool. Toss with a dash of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, mix together: ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and eggs.
  3. Prepare the Baking Dish: Pour 2 cups of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9x13-inch pan. For freezing, use an aluminum or freezer-safe pan.
  4. Assemble the Shells: Stuff each shell with about 1 tablespoon of the ricotta filling. Arrange the filled shells in the pan, forming three rows.
  5. Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining 2 cups of marinara sauce over the shells. Sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  6. Cover the Dish: Cover the pan tightly with foil.
Freezing Instructions:
  1. Place the prepared and covered pan into the freezer. Store for up to 3 months.
  2. When ready to bake, thaw the dish in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Then, bake at 350°F for 45 minutes to 1 hour until warmed through.
  3. If baking directly from frozen, increase the baking time to approximately 1 1/2-2 hours, depending on your oven.
If Baking Immediately:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  2. Bake the dish for 45 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted.
  3. Enjoy your delicious, homemade stuffed shells!

Nutrition

Calories: 349kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 947mgPotassium: 474mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 908IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 324mgIron: 2mg

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