Olive Garden Jumbo Stuffed Shells

The Olive Garden Jumbo Stuffed Shells bring the indulgent flavor of your favorite restaurant right to your kitchen. These pasta shells are loaded with a creamy ricotta mixture, blanketed in luscious Alfredo sauce, topped with tangy marinara, and baked to perfection with a golden mozzarella crown. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner for the family or a hearty meal to impress guests, this baked pasta dish delivers all the cheesy satisfaction you crave. With its beautiful layering and rich textures, this recipe offers a restaurant-quality experience that’s both comforting and easy to make at home.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells

• 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 1 cup Alfredo sauce

• 1 cup marinara sauce

• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

• Nonstick cooking spray

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Cook jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.

4. Spoon the ricotta filling into each cooled shell and arrange them in the prepared baking dish.

5. Pour Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells, then spoon marinara sauce over the top.

6. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella over the shells.

7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

8. Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve hot.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 395 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Bringing Restaurant Favorites Home: Olive Garden-Inspired Jumbo Stuffed Shells

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, cheesy baked pasta dish straight from the oven. Among the many iconic Italian-American favorites, Olive Garden’s Jumbo Stuffed Shells have earned a cult following for good reason. This hearty, flavor-packed dish combines the best of both worlds creamy Alfredo and robust marinara drenched over tender, cheese-stuffed pasta shells.

In this article, we’ll explore the inspiration behind this recipe, the appeal of combining sauces, why stuffed pasta works so well for home cooks, and how this dish can serve as the centerpiece of a memorable family meal.

The Inspiration Behind the Dish

Olive Garden has long been associated with comforting Italian-American cuisine that brings families together. One of their stand-out menu items, the Jumbo Stuffed Shells, features a classic filling of ricotta and mozzarella cheese nestled inside tender pasta shells, topped with creamy Alfredo sauce, and finished with rich marinara.

This recipe brings all those elements home, allowing you to recreate a restaurant-quality experience in your own kitchen. It’s inspired by the same attention to richness, texture, and layered flavors that Olive Garden delivers but with the added benefit of customization and freshness.

Why Jumbo Stuffed Shells Work So Well

Jumbo pasta shells are the perfect vessel for stuffing. Their large size allows for a generous amount of filling, and their open, cup-like shape cradles sauces beautifully. When baked, they hold their form while absorbing flavor, making them an ideal canvas for creamy cheeses and herby seasonings.

Another reason stuffed shells are so beloved? They offer the perfect balance of textures. The exterior of the pasta becomes tender during baking, while the cheese filling remains creamy and slightly gooey. Topped with a bubbling layer of melted mozzarella, each bite delivers richness, tang, and a touch of crisp from the golden-baked edges.

The Art of Using Two Sauces

One of the elements that make this dish stand out is the use of both Alfredo and marinara sauces. This “double sauce” approach is not just indulgent it’s strategic. Alfredo sauce brings richness and creaminess, made traditionally with butter, cream, and Parmesan. It envelops the shells in a luxurious layer that perfectly complements the ricotta filling.

Meanwhile, marinara introduces acidity and a touch of sweetness, balancing the heaviness of the cheese and cream. This contrast in flavor profiles gives the dish depth and dimension. The marinara also adds color and aroma, turning the dish into a visual and aromatic centerpiece.

For those who enjoy experimenting, swapping in other sauces like pesto or a spicy arrabbiata could add new flair to this classic combination.

Customization Options

One of the greatest advantages of making these jumbo stuffed shells at home is the flexibility to tailor the ingredients to your preferences or dietary needs. Here are just a few ways you can personalize the dish:

• Add Protein: Incorporate cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken into the ricotta mixture for a heartier meal.

• Boost the Veggies: Spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted red peppers can be folded into the cheese filling for added texture and nutrition.

• Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure that your sauces are gluten-free to adapt the recipe without sacrificing flavor.

• Make it Vegan: Opt for vegan ricotta and cheese substitutes, and use a dairy-free Alfredo alternative to create a plant-based version that still feels indulgent.

Perfect for Meal Prepping and Entertaining

This dish is a dream when it comes to make-ahead meals. You can assemble the stuffed shells in advance, refrigerate them for up to 24 hours, and then simply bake before serving. That makes it ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting guests and want to minimize kitchen time on the day of your gathering.

It also freezes beautifully. Prepare and freeze in a disposable foil tray or airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. Having a tray of these stuffed shells in the freezer is like having a secret weapon for surprise company or nights when cooking from scratch feels like too much.

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed shells are undoubtedly a main attraction, but pairing them with the right sides can elevate your meal even further. Consider serving them with:

• A crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens with a zesty vinaigrette

• Garlic breadsticks or a rustic Italian loaf

• Roasted vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli

• A glass of red wine like Chianti or a light-bodied Pinot Noir

These sides help balance the richness of the dish and create a well-rounded Italian-inspired feast.

A Crowd-Pleaser with Universal Appeal

Whether you’re serving picky kids, a group of adults, or anyone in between, this dish hits the mark. Its cheesy, gooey, flavorful profile appeals to most palates, and it’s easily adjusted for spice, texture, or dietary considerations. Even better, the presentation is impressive: rows of neatly stuffed shells, bubbling with sauce and cheese, make for a dramatic and delicious display when brought to the table.

It’s the kind of meal that makes people ask for seconds and for the recipe.

Health Considerations

While not inherently a low-calorie meal, this dish does offer a more wholesome alternative to restaurant versions when made at home. You control the quality and quantity of ingredients, opting for low-fat cheese, reduced-sodium sauces, or even whole wheat shells if desired.

Adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms into the filling not only increases the nutritional value but enhances the flavor and texture as well. By making it yourself, you have the freedom to strike the perfect balance between indulgence and health.

Conclusion:

Olive Garden-Inspired Jumbo Stuffed Shells are the kind of dish that brings warmth and joy to any table. They’re easy to make, universally loved, and perfect for virtually any occasion from a quiet night in to a festive family gathering.

With layers of flavor, velvety cheese, and that irresistible double-sauce finish, this pasta bake offers comfort in every bite. It invites you to slow down, savor the process, and enjoy a moment of togetherness around the dinner table.

Whether you’re recreating a restaurant favorite, feeding a crowd, or just treating yourself to something satisfying, this dish delivers. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request from your family and friends.