Crockpot Stuffed Shells Recipe (2024)

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Make dinner super easy when you make this delicious Crockpot Stuffed Shells recipe. It looks fancy but it is so easy and the shells are stuffed with a cheesy filling.

This is one of our favorite dishes to make for meatless Monday. It is full of so much cheesy goodness that no one ever misses the meat! These stuffed shells are so amazing and the slow cooker makes it quick and easy.

It is easy enough for busy weeknights but so delicious you will want to serve it for company. This is a must try and a great recipe to try that is frugal and easy. Another meatless dish that my entire family loves is this Best Meatless Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe.

Why We Love This Recipe

Making this slow cooker stuffed shells takes the guess work out of dinner. The layers of pasta, melty cheese and tomato sauce makes the meal always on the menu. Simple ingredients makes this meatless recipe a family favorite.

It is the perfect weeknight meal or to feed a crowd. Serve with your favorite side dish recipes.

Ingredients

• Jumbo Pasta Shells (depending on how many will fit in your pan)
• Ricotta Cheese
• Grated Parmesan Cheese
• Egg
• Minced Garlic
• Fresh Parsley, chopped
• Fresh Basil Leaves, chopped
• Salt
• Pepper
• Marinara Sauce
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

Now, we absolutely love this recipe as is. However, the ideas are endless for changing things up.

• Add Meat – You can add Italian sausage, ground sausage or ground beef if you want to add meat. Ground turkey is also tasty as well.
• Other Additions – We have also added chopped spinach or frozen spinach and that was amazing.
• Cheese – Cottage cheese also works with the ricotta or in place of it. We have combined both and it was yummy.
• Garlic – Substitute the minced garlic for garlic powder or cloves garlic.
• Italian Seasoning – Feel free to substitute the seasoning for Italian Seasoning. I usually start with a tablespoon.

Step by Step Instructions

• Step 1 – Cook Pasta – Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Place the shells in the water and cook 3 minutes less than the cook time listed on the package. Drain the shells and rinse with cool water.
• Step 2 – Spread Pasta Sauce – Spray a 6 quart crock pot with a non-stick spray and then spread ½ of the marinara sauce at the bottom of the pan.
• Step 3 – Combine Ingredients – In a medium size bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, basil leaves, salt and pepper. Stir to thoroughly combine.
• Step 4 – Stuff Shells – Then spoon the cheese mixture into the shells and place the shells in the crock pot on top of the sauce. You can layer the shells in the crock pot as well if needed.
• Step 5 – Pour Sauce – Pour the remaining marinara sauce on top of the shells and top with the mozzarella cheese.
• Step 6 – Slow Cook – Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-6 hours.Serve immediately and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• Cook Pasta – Before stuffing the shells, then need to be cooked to al dente or according to package directions.
• Prepare Slow Cooker – The slow cooker needs to be sprayed with cooking spray including the bottom of the crock pot. This will prevent the pasta from sticking.
• Cooking Time – Cooking time will vary depending on your crock pot. You will cook the stuffed pasta until cheese is melted and heated through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious stuffed pasta with garlic bread and air fryer broccoli. We keep things simple when serving this crockpot Italian dish. We also love to serve these breadsticks to make sure to get every last drop of the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Easy Crockpot Italian Recipes

• Crock Pot Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
• Slow Cooker Lasagna
• Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe

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