Stuffed shells are one of those dinners that look fancy but are surprisingly easy to make. The only problem? Traditional recipes often feel heavy and leave you with that “too full” feeling.
That’s where this version comes in. Instead of ricotta, we’re using cottage cheese for a lighter, high-protein twist that still delivers on creamy flavor.
Mixed with spinach, Parmesan, and herbs, the filling tastes fresh but comforting at the same time. Baked in marinara sauce until bubbly, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or even a holiday potluck.
You’ll learn how to put it together step by step, what makes cottage cheese a great swap, and a few ways to customize it for your family. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to make it into your regular dinner rotation.
Why Use Cottage Cheese?
Lighter texture – Cottage cheese creates a creamy filling without the overly dense consistency ricotta sometimes has.
Higher protein – A single cup of cottage cheese has nearly double the protein of ricotta, helping balance this carb-heavy meal.
More budget-friendly – Cottage cheese is usually less expensive and more widely available than ricotta.
Better for clean eating – With fewer calories and more nutritional value, it makes the dish feel lighter.
Customizable texture – You can blend it smooth for a ricotta-like consistency or leave it chunky for extra texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this stuffed shell recipe:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells – These hold the filling perfectly. Cook a few extra in case some break.
- 2 cups cottage cheese – Blend if you prefer it smooth.
- 1 ½ cups fresh spinach – Chopped finely. You can also use thawed, well-drained frozen spinach.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a sharp, salty flavor to balance the creamy cottage cheese.
- 1 large egg – Helps bind the filling so it doesn’t fall apart.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic adds flavor and depth.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – A simple blend of herbs (oregano, thyme, basil).
- 2 cups marinara sauce – Store-bought or homemade.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – For that golden, bubbly topping.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1- Cook the pasta shells
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook shells until just al dente (they’ll cook more in the oven).
- Drain, toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
2- Prepare the filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, chopped spinach, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until everything is well combined. For a smoother filling, blend the cottage cheese before mixing.
3- Stuff the shells
- Spread 1 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Fill each shell with 1–2 tablespoons of the mixture and arrange them snugly in the dish.
4- Add sauce and cheese
- Spoon the remaining marinara over the shells.
- Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella cheese.
5- Bake
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
6- Serve
- Let the shells rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Slightly undercooked shells hold up better when baking.
- Drain spinach well: If using frozen spinach, squeeze out excess water to avoid a watery filling.
- Blend cottage cheese if needed: For a traditional ricotta-like texture, blend it until smooth.
- Make extra shells: They can tear while cooking, so boil 2–3 more than you need.
- Let it rest: Resting after baking helps the filling firm up before serving.
Make It Ahead
- Assemble ahead: Stuff and layer the shells in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freeze for later: Freeze unbaked shells in the dish. When ready to cook, bake straight from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes.
- Reheating leftovers: Warm in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave. Add a splash of marinara to keep them moist.
Variations
- Add protein: Mix in cooked ground turkey, chicken, or sausage to the filling.
- Veggie-loaded: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers for extra nutrition.
- Spicy version: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños to the filling.
- Low-carb option: Try stuffing zucchini boats instead of pasta shells.
What to Serve With Stuffed Shells
This dish pairs well with:
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- A simple green salad
- Roasted vegetables (like broccoli or carrots)
- A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon
Nutrition Information (per serving – 4 shells)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
FAQs
Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
Yes! Ricotta is the traditional choice. Cottage cheese just makes the dish lighter and higher in protein.
Should I blend the cottage cheese first?
It depends on your texture preference. Blending makes it smooth like ricotta, while leaving it chunky gives a bit of texture.
Can I make this without eggs?
Yes. The egg helps bind the filling, but you can skip it. Just press the filling firmly into the shells.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Just use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells.
How do I freeze stuffed shells?
Assemble the dish without baking, cover tightly, and freeze. Bake from frozen with an extra 15–20 minutes added to the cooking time.
I am a writer, editor, and publisher of Grillcuisines.com – an online blog dedicated to sharing grilling tips, accessories, and recipes to encourage more people to get outside and grill.
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