Easy Cheesy Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Whipping up a delectable slow cooker stuffed shells dish promises pure comfort on chilly evenings.

Pasta lovers can rejoice in this hassle-free culinary adventure.

Creamy ricotta and savory herbs nestle inside tender pasta pockets, creating magic with minimal effort.

Rich marinara sauce blankets each shell, infusing deep Mediterranean flavors into every bite.

Kitchen novices and seasoned cooks alike will adore this simple yet impressive meal.

Minimal prep means maximum enjoyment, letting you savor quality time while dinner practically makes itself.

Prepare to be amazed by how effortlessly delicious home cooking can be.

What Makes Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells So Tasty

• Dive into a hassle-free meal that transforms complex pasta dishes into a simple, stress-free experience with minimal hands-on preparation.
• Create a crowd-pleasing dinner that appeals to both kids and adults, packed with cheesy goodness and nutritious spinach hidden in every delicious bite.
• Unlock the power of your slow cooker to turn ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal with zero fuss and maximum flavor potential.
• Prepare a complete dinner that requires minimal cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Everything for Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large pasta perfect for stuffing.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy base for the shell stuffing.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides melty, stretchy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty flavor.

• Egg: Helps bind the filling together.

• Spinach, Basil, Parsley: Fresh herbs for flavor and color.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce for moisture and flavor.
• Water: Helps thin and distribute sauce evenly.

Cooking Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells Made Simple

Step 1: Boil Pasta Shells

Cook jumbo pasta shells in boiling water until they reach a tender yet firm texture.

Drain and let them cool down slightly so they’re easy to handle.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Chopped spinach
• Minced garlic
• Fresh basil
• Fresh parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend all ingredients until they form a smooth, well-combined mixture.

Step 3: Stuff Those Shells

Generously spoon the cheese mixture into each pasta shell.

Make sure each shell gets an even amount of the delicious filling.

Step 4: Prep the Slow Cooker

Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker to prevent sticking.

Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer, slightly overlapping if needed.

Step 5: Sauce It Up

Pour marinara sauce over the shells.

Add some water to the sauce jar, shake it to get all the remaining sauce, and pour over the shells to ensure they’re completely covered.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic on low heat for 3-4 hours.

The shells will become tender and heated through.

Step 7: Cheese Finale

Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the shells about 15 minutes before serving.

Cover and cook until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly layer.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully scoop out the stuffed shells using a large spoon.

Plate them up hot and garnish with extra fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy.

Helpful Notes for Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells

• Gently separate cooked shells immediately after draining to avoid them clumping together, ensuring easier stuffing and more attractive presentation.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a subtle heat that enhances the overall taste without overwhelming the dish.
• Swap ricotta with tofu and use dairy-free mozzarella to create a plant-based version that maintains the creamy texture and delicious flavor profile.
• Prepare the cheese filling and stuff shells in advance, refrigerating them overnight to save time on the day of cooking.
• Ensure every shell is well-coated by gently spooning extra marinara sauce between layers, preventing any dry spots during slow cooking.

Keeping Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells Fresh and Warm

• Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep them whole or separately from the sauce to maintain texture.
• Pack cooled shells in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
• Place shells in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of water or marinara sauce. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Transfer shells to a baking dish, drizzle with extra marinara sauce. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through, then uncover and sprinkle extra cheese for a crispy top.

Great Pairings for Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, cheesy pasta and cuts through the marinara's acidity.
• Create Fresh Salad Side: Toss a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, shaved Parmesan, and toasted pine nuts to balance the hearty stuffed shells with a light, zesty contrast.
• Serve Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, buttery garlic bread with herbs to soak up extra marinara sauce and provide a crunchy texture alongside the soft, cheesy shells.
• Match with Sparkling Water: Offer a chilled sparkling water with lemon or lime to cleanse the palate between bites and refresh the dining experience.

Twist Ideas for Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells

• Gluten-Free Shell Swap: Replace traditional pasta shells with gluten-free jumbo shells or use zucchini boats as a low-carb alternative. Use gluten-free marinara sauce to ensure the entire dish is celiac-friendly.
• Vegan Cheese Version: Substitute ricotta with tofu or cashew ricotta. Use plant-based mozzarella and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Replace the egg with ground flaxseed mixed with water.
• Protein-Packed Option: Add cooked ground turkey or lean ground chicken to the ricotta mixture for extra protein. Incorporate quinoa or lentils for a vegetarian protein boost. Increase herbs and seasonings to enhance flavor complexity.
• Mediterranean Spin: Mix feta cheese into the filling. Add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and fresh oregano. Use a lighter tomato sauce with Mediterranean herbs for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

• Why use a slow cooker for stuffed shells?

Slow cookers provide gentle, even heating that prevents shells from becoming mushy and helps blend flavors beautifully without constant monitoring, making it perfect for hands-off cooking.

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain frozen spinach to prevent excess moisture in the filling, which could make the shells soggy.

• Is it necessary to pre-cook the shells before stuffing?

Yes, pre-cooking shells is crucial. It ensures they are partially cooked and easier to handle, prevents them from being too hard or undercooked in the slow cooker, and helps them absorb the sauce and flavors more effectively.

• How can I prevent shells from sticking to the slow cooker?

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of the slow cooker before placing the stuffed shells. This creates a protective barrier and helps prevent sticking while adding extra flavor.

Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy Italian-style Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells blend ricotta, spinach, and melted cheese into a comforting Mediterranean masterpiece. Rich pasta pockets deliver hearty flavor that welcomes hungry families around the dinner table with delicious simplicity.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 box (12 ounces / 340 grams) jumbo pasta shells
• 1 container (15 ounces / 425 grams) ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
• 1 jar (24 ounces / 680 grams) marinara sauce

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup water

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Instructions

1. Gently boil jumbo pasta shells in salted water until just tender, approximately 8-9 minutes. Drain and allow to cool slightly, preventing overcooking.
2. Create a creamy filling by whisking ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, chopped spinach, garlic, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-integrated.
3. Generously stuff each shell with the prepared mixture, ensuring even distribution and avoiding overfilling.
4. Prepare the slow cooker by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom to prevent sticking and potential burning.
5. Arrange stuffed shells carefully in a single layer, slightly overlapping if necessary to maximize space within the slow cooker.
6. Pour remaining marinara sauce over shells, then rinse sauce jar with water and drizzle liquid to ensure complete shell coverage and moisture.
7. Set slow cooker to low temperature and cook for 3-4 hours, maintaining consistent heat around 200°F until shells become tender and filling is heated thoroughly.
8. During final 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle additional mozzarella across the top, allowing cheese to melt and create a golden, bubbling surface.
9. Delicately transfer shells to serving dish using a large slotted spoon, preserving structural integrity. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• Lightly coat shells with olive oil after cooking to stop them from clumping together during cooling and stuffing.
• Squeeze excess moisture from chopped spinach using a clean kitchen towel to avoid watery filling and maintain shell structure.
• Replace ricotta with cottage cheese for a lower-fat alternative that still provides creamy texture and protein.
• Use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells and verify marinara sauce ingredients to make this recipe celiac-friendly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg