Stuffed Shells with Marinara Sauce

Stuffed Shells with Marinara Sauce recipe videos

Stuffed Shells with Marinara Sauce is a classic Italian-American comfort food featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, topped with marinara sauce, and baked until bubbly. The filling typically includes ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and herbs like basil or parsley, all nestled in a tangy tomato sauce. It's a beloved dish often served for family dinners or holidays, originating from Italian culinary traditions adapted in the United States.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is high in protein and fat from the cheese filling, with moderate carbohydrates from the pasta and sauce. It provides key nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin A, with a rough calorie ballpark of 350-450 calories per serving.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	400 kcal
Protein	22 g
Carbs	35 g
Fat	18 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	6 g
Sodium	680 mg
Calcium	320 mg
Iron	2.5 mg
Vitamin A	250 IU
Phosphorus	280 mg
Potassium	350 mg
Vitamin C	8 mg
Vitamin B12	0.8 mcg
Zinc	2.2 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, stuffed shells represent a fusion of Italian pasta traditions with American home cooking, often symbolizing comfort and family gatherings. Nutritionally, the combination of cheese and tomato sauce enhances iron absorption due to vitamin C in the tomatoes.