When you crave comfort food that’s hearty, satisfying, and meat-free, vegetarian skillet stuffed shells are a perfect choice. This easy one-pan meal transforms classic Italian flavors into a weeknight-friendly dish that’s both wholesome and indulgent. Tender pasta shells are filled with a creamy ricotta mixture, nestled in a rich tomato sauce, and baked until bubbly with a golden layer of melted cheese on top. It’s the kind of meal that feels special enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for a busy weeknight.
The base of this dish is a flavorful tomato sauce simmered with garlic, onion, and Italian herbs. Using a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan allows everything to cook evenly and keeps cleanup minimal. The sauce is the perfect backdrop for the stuffed shells, which are filled with a luscious mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Fresh spinach or chopped kale adds a boost of color, flavor, and nutrients, making this vegetarian pasta recipe as nourishing as it is delicious.
What makes skillet stuffed shells stand out is the combination of textures and flavors in every bite. The shells are tender but firm enough to hold their filling, the cheese melts into creamy pockets of richness, and the sauce brings everything together with a savory, slightly tangy finish. You can customize the filling by adding roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers, or use fresh herbs like basil and parsley for an extra burst of freshness.
This dish is also perfect for meal prep. It reheats beautifully, making leftovers ideal for lunch or a quick second dinner. Pair it with a crisp green salad and some crusty bread, like Irish soda bread, and you have a complete vegetarian dinner that’s comforting and satisfying.
Whether you’re feeding a family, cooking for friends, or simply treating yourself, vegetarian skillet stuffed shells deliver everything you want in a cozy, cheesy pasta bake. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing recipe that proves vegetarian meals can be every bit as hearty and delicious as their meaty counterparts.
Ingredients
- 12 pieces jumbo pasta shells uncooked
- 1 cup ricotta cheese full-fat for best flavor
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach chopped
- 2 cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated, for serving
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, chopped spinach, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the cheese and spinach mixture using a spoon.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer.
- Gently place the stuffed shells into the sauce in the skillet.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the shells.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil before serving.
Nutrition
Not my fav. The sauce was too sweet for my taste. Gonna try with homemade sauce next time.
I really loved this recipe! The sauce was fantastic! Maybe try a less sweet brand next time?
Homemade sauce sounds like a good idea. But I thought the store-bought was just fine!
Wow! Super easy recipe. I added some red pepper flakes for a kick!
I thought this was gonna be hard but I managed! Yay for me! 😁
Hard? It’s just pasta shells. Anyone can do that! 🙄
Congrats! It really does feel good when you nail a recipe! 🎉
Delicious! My husband said it’s his new favorite dish. I’m so happy!
So happy for you! That sounds amazing. I’m definitely trying this recipe soon!
Why you gotta use so much cheese? That can’t be healthy.
I don’t really like ricotta. Can I use cottage cheese instead? Hope it will taste good.
Shells were undercooked. Might need to boil them longer next time.
These stuffed shells are soooo good! My kids loved them! Will make again.
Made these for dinner last night. They were a hit! Easy and tasty.