Olive Garden’s Dreamy Jumbo Stuffed Shells Recipe at Home

Olive garden jumbo stuffed shells burst with creamy, cheesy goodness that makes dinner feel like a cozy Italian celebration.

Memories of comfort swirl around these plump pasta pockets filled with rich ricotta and herbs.

Weeknight meals transform when you add this simple yet decadent dish to your cooking repertoire.

Tender shells cradle a delightful mixture of cheese and seasonings that dance across your palate.

Cheese lovers will appreciate the perfect balance of flavors in every delectable bite.

Homemade magic happens when you recreate this restaurant-inspired classic in your own kitchen.

Grab a fork and prepare to savor each mouthwatering, cheesy moment of culinary bliss.

FAQs About Olive Garden Jumbo Stuffed Shells

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells in advance. Assemble the dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

• Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Substitute part-skim ricotta and mozzarella, use whole wheat pasta shells, and add some spinach or zucchini to the cheese mixture to increase vegetable content and reduce overall calories.

• What if I don't have fresh basil?

Use dried basil as a substitute. Generally, use 1 teaspoon of dried basil for every 1 tablespoon of fresh basil. You can also use dried Italian herb blend for similar flavor.

Why Olive Garden Jumbo Stuffed Shells Are A Showstopper

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: These stuffed shells deliver pure cheesy goodness that brings everyone around the table with smiles and satisfaction.
• Quick Family Meal: Perfect for busy households, this recipe requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor without complicated cooking techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Versatile dish allows simple ingredient swaps like adding spinach, ground meat, or switching up cheese types to match family preferences.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare shells in advance and refrigerate, making meal planning stress-free for weeknight dinners or unexpected guests.

Ingredients for Olive Garden Jumbo Stuffed Shells

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for holding the rich cheese filling.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy Italian cheese that provides a smooth and rich base for the filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Classic Italian cheeses that add stretch, flavor, and a golden brown topping.
• Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture together and provides structure.

• Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the cheese mixture.
• Basil: Provides a fresh, herbal note to enhance the overall taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that balance and elevate the flavors.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian tomato sauce that adds moisture and traditional flavor to the dish.
• Extra Mozzarella Cheese, Extra Parmesan Cheese: Additional cheese for a golden, bubbly topping.

How to Make Olive Garden Jumbo Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). This will create the perfect cozy environment for our delicious shells to bake.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Shells

Boil the jumbo pasta shells until they’re perfectly tender. Drain them carefully and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Minced garlic
• Chopped fresh basil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything until smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Stuff and Arrange Shells

Gently fill each pasta shell with the luscious cheese mixture. Nestle the stuffed shells into a baking dish, creating a cozy arrangement.

Step 5: Add Saucy Goodness

Pour marinara sauce generously over the stuffed shells, making sure each shell gets a nice coating.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap in all the delicious flavors.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to let the top get golden and crispy.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while the cheese is still melty and irresistible.

Pro Tips for Perfectly Stuffed and Baked Shells

• Choose jumbo shells that are intact to prevent tearing during stuffing and baking.
• Mix cheeses thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors and creamy texture.
• Let shells cool for 5 minutes after baking to help them hold their shape when serving.
• Drain ricotta cheese well to prevent excess moisture in the filling, keeping the shells firm and not soggy.
• Add red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for extra heat if you enjoy a spicy kick.

Variations to Customize Olive Garden Jumbo Stuffed Shells

• Spinach Sensation: Add chopped spinach to the cheese mixture for extra nutrition and a vibrant green color.
• Mediterranean Medley: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Meat Lover's Version: Incorporate ground Italian sausage or ground beef into the cheese filling for a heartier dish.
• Veggie Power: Blend roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms into the cheese mixture for a vegetable-packed meal.

Pairing Ideas for Olive Garden Jumbo Stuffed Shells

• Pair Zesty Chianti with Rich Shells: A robust Chianti wine complements the tomato-based marinara and cuts through the creamy cheese filling, balancing the dish's richness with its tangy red fruit notes.
• Serve Crisp Caesar Salad Alongside: A classic Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and light, tangy dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the heavy, cheesy stuffed shells, creating a perfect meal balance.
• Match with Garlic Herb Focaccia Bread: Warm, herbed focaccia helps soak up extra marinara sauce and adds a delightful textural element to the meal, enhancing the overall Italian dining experience.

Storage Tips for Olive Garden Jumbo Stuffed Shells

• Transfer cooled stuffed shells to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual shells or the entire dish in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place shells on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place shells in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent burning.

Olive Garden Jumbo Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Olive Garden’s jumbo stuffed shells showcase creamy ricotta and robust marinara in a classic Italian-American comfort dish. Hearty pasta shells cradle rich cheese filling, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 package jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Binding Ingredient:

• 1 egg

Topping:

• Extra mozzarella cheese
• Extra Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) while bringing a pot of salted water to a rolling boil for the jumbo pasta shells.
2. Carefully cook pasta shells until al dente, ensuring they remain slightly firm, then drain and allow to cool slightly.
3. Create a luxurious cheese blend by whisking ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-incorporated.
4. Gently fill each pasta shell with the creamy cheese mixture, arranging them snugly in a prepared baking dish.
5. Generously ladle marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring complete coverage of the pasta.
6. Sprinkle an additional layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the top of the shells for extra richness.
7. Protect the dish with aluminum foil, creating a sealed environment for even cooking.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld together thoroughly.
9. Remove the foil during the final 10 minutes of baking to achieve a golden, slightly crispy cheese topping.
10. Finish the dish by scattering fresh basil leaves over the top for a burst of aromatic freshness.
11. Serve immediately while the shells are piping hot, showcasing the melted cheese and vibrant marinara sauce.

Notes

• Opt for large, high-quality jumbo shells to ensure they hold the creamy cheese mixture without falling apart during baking.
• Drain pasta shells thoroughly and let them cool slightly before stuffing to prevent tearing and make handling easier.
• For a lighter version, substitute whole milk ricotta with part-skim ricotta and use reduced-fat mozzarella to cut down on calories.
• Enhance flavor by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a subtle kick that complements the rich, cheesy filling.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg