Stuffed into soft pasta shells
Stuffed pasta shells, or 'conchiglioni ripieni', are a classic Italian-American comfort dish featuring large, seashell-shaped pasta tubes filled with a savory mixture, typically of ricotta cheese, spinach, and herbs, then baked in marinara sauce. The dish originates from Italy, where pasta shapes are designed to hold hearty fillings, and has become a staple in home cooking and Italian-American cuisine.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in carbohydrates from the pasta and provides a good amount of protein and fat from the cheese filling. A typical serving offers key nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin A, with a calorie range of approximately 400-500 kcal.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbs | 48 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
| Calcium | 320 mg |
| Phosphorus | 280 mg |
| Vitamin A | 450 IU |
| Iron | 3.2 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Vitamin C | 8 mg |
| Vitamin K | 25 mcg |
| Selenium | 18 mcg |
Per 4 stuffed shells with sauce (about 300 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The shell shape is not just decorative; its ridges and hollow center are engineered to capture and hold the maximum amount of sauce and filling, making each bite a perfect balance of textures. Nutritionally, it's a complete meal in one dish, combining grains, dairy, and often vegetables.
