Irresistible Olive Garden Jumbo Stuffed Shells Recipe

Succulent Olive Garden jumbo stuffed shells dance with creamy ricotta and robust marinara in a comforting Italian-inspired meal.

Pasta lovers appreciate this classic restaurant-style dish that feels like a warm culinary embrace.

Generous shells capture melted cheese and rich sauce in every delectable bite.

Home chefs can easily recreate this restaurant favorite with simple ingredients and minimal preparation time.

Authentic flavors emerge from carefully selected cheeses and seasoned meat filling.

Each shell promises a delightful blend of textures and tastes that transport you straight to a cozy trattoria.

Savor this crowd-pleasing recipe that turns an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

Olive Garden Stuffed Shells Recipe Variations

• Vegan Shell Delight: Replace ricotta with tofu, use vegan mozzarella and Parmesan, and swap egg with ground flaxseed mixed with water.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly meal.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta shells with roasted zucchini boats, maintaining the same cheese and spinach filling for a lighter version.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Add cooked ground turkey or chicken to the cheese mixture for extra protein and a more substantial main course.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for the filling?

The filling includes ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped spinach, egg, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. These ingredients create a creamy and flavorful mixture that makes the stuffed shells delicious.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, the recipe is already vegetarian. It uses cheese and spinach as the main filling ingredients, making it a perfect meatless meal option for vegetarians.

• How difficult is this recipe to prepare?

This recipe is relatively easy for home cooks with basic kitchen skills. The steps are straightforward: cook shells, mix filling, stuff shells, add sauce, and bake. Even beginner cooks can successfully make this dish.

• Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed shells in advance, refrigerate them, and bake when ready to eat. They reheat well and maintain their flavor and texture, making them an excellent option for preparing meals ahead of time.

What Makes Olive Garden Jumbo Stuffed Shells Special

• Adaptable recipe that lets you swap ingredients or add personal touches like extra vegetables or different cheese blends to suit your taste preferences.
• Transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal without requiring professional cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or weekend meals that satisfy both kids and adults with its classic Italian-inspired comfort food appeal.

What You Need for Olive Garden Jumbo Stuffed Shells

• Jumbo Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for holding creamy cheese filling.

• Ricotta Cheese: Soft, creamy cheese that creates a smooth and rich filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese that provides a stretchy and golden top layer.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds depth and saltiness to the filling.

• Spinach, Basil: Fresh ingredients that add green color and earthy flavor to the dish.

• Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture together.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the stuffed shells.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that covers and complements the stuffed shells.

How to Cook Olive Garden Jumbo Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Shells

Boil water in a large pot and cook pasta shells until they’re perfectly tender but still firm.

Carefully drain the shells and let them cool down on a clean kitchen towel, ensuring they don’t stick together.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cheese Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh chopped spinach
• Egg
• Dried basil
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix all ingredients until smooth and well combined, creating a rich and flavorful filling.

Step 3: Stuff Pasta Shells

Gently spoon the cheese mixture into each pasta shell, filling them generously but being careful not to tear the delicate pasta.

Arrange the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish, placing them close together.

Step 4: Add Savory Sauce

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

Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top to create a golden, melty surface.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 350F.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden brown.

The edges should look crispy and the sauce should be hot and steamy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let the shells rest for a few minutes.

This allows the filling to set and makes serving easier.

Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve hot.

Handy Tips for Olive Garden Jumbo Stuffed Shells

• Cook shells just until tender to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking, ensuring a perfect texture.
• Remove excess moisture from chopped spinach to prevent watery filling and maintain the creamy consistency of the cheese mixture.
• Mix different Italian cheeses like provolone or fontina for a more complex and rich flavor profile.
• Prepare the stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal option.
• Add cooked ground chicken or turkey to the cheese mixture for a heartier and more nutritious version of the dish.

Storing and Reheating Olive Garden Jumbo Stuffed Shells

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation and soggy shells.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place shells on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring gently between each interval until warmed through.
• Preheat oven to 175C (350F). Place shells in a baking dish, add a splash of marinara sauce to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated evenly.

Olive Garden Stuffed Shell Pairing Ideas

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a light, buttery Chardonnay that complements the creamy cheese and cuts through the rich marinara sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Create Italian Salad Companion: Toss together a fresh arugula salad with cherry tomatoes, shaved Parmesan, and a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the stuffed shells.
• Serve with Garlic Focaccia Bread: Prepare a warm, herbed garlic focaccia to soak up the delicious marinara sauce and provide a crunchy texture contrast to the soft pasta shells.
• Match with Sparkling Mineral Water: Choose a crisp, cold sparkling water with a slice of lemon to cleanse the palate between bites and refresh the taste buds during the meal.

Olive Garden Jumbo Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Olive Garden’s jumbo stuffed shells bring hearty Italian comfort straight to home kitchens with rich cheese and savory marinara. Home cooks can recreate restaurant magic by layering pasta shells with creamy ricotta and perfectly seasoned sauce for a delightful family meal.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup (240 ml) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml) chopped fresh spinach
• 2 cups (480 ml) marinara sauce

Cheese and Binding Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a spacious baking dish for the shells.
2. Cook pasta shells in boiling water until they reach a tender al dente consistency, then carefully drain and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Create a rich filling by thoroughly mixing ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, finely chopped spinach, beaten egg, minced basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
4. Gently stuff each pasta shell with the creamy cheese and spinach mixture, ensuring a generous and even fill.
5. Arrange the stuffed shells neatly in the prepared baking dish, positioning them close together but not overcrowded.
6. Generously drizzle marinara sauce over the shells, covering them completely to prevent drying during baking.
7. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly across the top, creating a golden, melted cheese layer.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese turns bubbly and golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow the filling to set and cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Swap ricotta for low-fat cottage cheese to reduce calorie and fat content while maintaining creamy texture.
• Use gluten-free pasta shells for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring the dish remains inclusive.
• Incorporate extra vegetables like diced zucchini or roasted bell peppers into the filling for added nutrition and flavor complexity.
• Experiment with plant-based cheese alternatives to create a delicious vegan version of this classic comfort dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg