Stuffed Shells — Ad-Free Recipe, Ingredients First

Boil the shells only until pliable, not soft, or they tear when you fill them and collapse in the bake. Season the ricotta aggressively and bind it with an egg so the filling sets instead of running out into the sauce.

The Ingredients — and where to get them

Cook for 6 servings

Jumbo shells

Large conchiglie built to be stuffed; boil to just pliable and handle gently so they do not split.

1 (12 oz) box

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Ricotta

Whole-milk ricotta is the body of the filling; drain excess whey so it does not run.

2 lb

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Canned tomatoes

Crushed tomatoes for the sauce that lines the dish and tops the shells.

1 (28 oz) can

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Mozzarella

Low-moisture shreds over the top for the browned melted cover.

8 oz, shredded

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Parmesan

Grated into the filling for savory depth and structure.

1 cup grated

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Olive oil

For the sauce base and softening the garlic.

3 tbsp

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Egg, garlic, and basil

One egg to bind the filling, garlic and basil for the sauce.

1 egg, 3 cloves, handful basil

Egg → Garlic →

The Rundown

Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge

A light hand — your arteries say thanks.

EffortSome doing

Cook it with

Air fryerSheet pan

The Method

Boil the shellsCook the shells until just pliable, about 8 minutes, then drain and lay them out so they do not stick.
Mix the fillingCombine drained ricotta, parmesan, the egg, salt, and pepper until smooth and well seasoned.
Sauce and stuffSpread sauce in a dish. Fill each shell with a heaping spoon of ricotta and set them open-side up.
Top and bakeSpoon sauce over, scatter mozzarella, cover with foil, and bake at 375F for 25 minutes; uncover 10 more until browned.

The Toolkit

Baking dish · Large pot · Piping bag or spoon · Fine grater · Colander

Straight Answers

Can you make Stuffed Shells in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.

Can you freeze Stuffed Shells? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Stuffed Shells ahead of time? — Prep ahead

Best fried to order — the crunch fades if it sits. Do the breading or shaping ahead and cook it fresh when you serve.

Is Stuffed Shells gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Stuffed Shells vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy and egg. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.427

Stuffed Shells, and where to source them