Herb & Zucchini Stuffed Jumbo Shells

You ever have one of those recipes that just feels like a big, warm hug? That’s exactly what these Herb & Zucchini Stuffed Jumbo Shells are to me. I remember the first time I made them—my kitchen smelled like fresh herbs and garlic dancing in the air, and the tender zucchini added just the right touch of brightness to the rich, cheesy filling. Plus, stuffing those giant pasta shells is kind of like a fun little tetris game that ends with a delicious payoff. Perfectly baked and bubbling with melty cheese, this dish makes dinner feel special without any complicated fuss. If you want a meal that’s both comforting and a bit fancy (but totally doable), you’re going to love this one!

Quick Facts

Yield: Serves 6
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

12 jumbo pasta shells
1 medium zucchini, grated (about 1 cup)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
1 large egg
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce / Garnish:

2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Extra fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

How I Make It

Step 1:

Get your jumbo pasta shells cooking in a large pot of boiling salted water until they’re al dente, about 8-9 minutes. You want them tender enough to stuff but not mushy, so keep an eye on the time. Drain carefully and lay them flat on a baking sheet to cool, so they don’t stick together.

Step 2:

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Add the grated zucchini and cook until it softens and releases moisture, roughly 3-4 minutes. Pat the zucchini with paper towels afterward to squeeze out as much moisture as possible; this keeps your filling from getting watery.

Step 3:

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, sautéed zucchini, chopped herbs, minced garlic, and the egg. Season liberally with salt and pepper. The egg helps bind everything, so it’s key for keeping the filling together while baking.

Step 4:

Preheat your oven to 375°F and spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 5:

Now for the fun part—stuff each pasta shell with a generous amount of the zucchini-herb cheese mixture and nestle them snugly into the baking dish on top of the sauce. Don’t overcrowd them; each shell deserves its own little spot!

Step 6:

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving—you’ll thank me.

Variations & Tips

Swap out zucchini for cooked spinach or kale for a different veggie twist.
Add red pepper flakes to the filling for a little heat.
Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter option.
Make it meatier by mixing cooked Italian sausage into the filling.
If you don’t have jumbo shells, large manicotti works just as well.
To save time, use no-boil jumbo shells and just extend the baking time slightly.

How I Like to Serve It

These stuffed shells are fantastic alongside a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a fresh contrast. They also pair beautifully with garlic bread when you’re in the mood for something indulgent. I love bringing this dish to casual dinners or cozy weekend lunches—always a crowd-pleaser.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat covered in the oven at 350°F to keep the shells from drying out.
You can freeze unbaked stuffed shells in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months—just add extra baking time when ready to cook.

Closing: This recipe nails that perfect balance of fresh herbs, creamy cheese, and comforting pasta—a guaranteed way to bring smiles to any table.