Million Dollar Stuffed Shells – Cheesy & Creamy Pasta Bake

If you're craving a rich, cheesy, and comforting dish, Million Dollar Stuffed Shells is the perfect choice. This recipe combines tender pasta shells, a creamy cheese blend, and flavorful meat, all baked to perfection. The layers of marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese create a dish that tastes like it's straight from a high-end restaurant. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, these stuffed shells will impress everyone at the table.

Benefits of Million Dollar Stuffed Shells

1. Rich and Creamy Flavor

The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese creates a smooth, cheesy filling that melts in your mouth.

2. Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing

Everyone loves cheesy pasta! This dish is kid-friendly and perfect for serving at gatherings.

3. Halal and Customizable

By using halal-certified ingredients, this recipe ensures that it’s suitable for halal diets. You can also swap ingredients to suit your preferences.

4. Easy to Make Ahead

Prepare the stuffed shells in advance and bake when needed. It’s perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights.

5. Budget-Friendly Luxury

Despite its rich and indulgent taste, this dish is made with affordable, simple ingredients.

Cautions When Making Million Dollar Stuffed Shells

Do not overcook the pasta – Slightly undercook the shells so they hold their shape when stuffed.
Drain excess liquid from the meat – Too much moisture will make the filling runny.
Check your cheese labels – Ensure they are halal-certified and made without animal rennet.
Don’t skip the resting time – Let the baked dish rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle.
Be mindful of serving sizes – This dish is rich and filling, so smaller portions may be enough.

Fun Tidbits About Million Dollar Stuffed Shells

1. Why Is It Called "Million Dollar Stuffed Shells"?

The name comes from the rich, creamy, and indulgent texture—it tastes like a “million-dollar” dish!

2. A Classic with a Twist

This dish takes the traditional Italian stuffed pasta and adds a unique touch with extra cheese and flavorful seasonings.

3. Pairs Well with Many Sides

Serve these stuffed shells with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Comparative Table: Traditional vs. Modern Corned Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Feature	Traditional Corned Beef Stroganoff	Modern Corned Beef Stroganoff
Main Protein	Canned or salted corned beef	Fresh halal beef or chicken
Sauce Base	Heavy cream and flour	Lightened with yogurt or broth
Seasonings	Salt, pepper, mustard	Garlic, paprika, herbs
Cooking Time	Slow-cooked for hours	Ready in under an hour
Health Factor	Higher in fat and sodium	More balanced and nutritious

Prep Time 25 mins

Cook Time 35 mins

Rest Time 5 mins

Total Time 1 hr 5 mins

Cooking Method: Baking, Boiling, Sauteing

Cuisine: Italian

Courses: Dinner, Main Course

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cooking Temp: 180 C

Estimated Cost: $ 15

Calories: 480 kcal per serving

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Dietary: Halal, No pork, Protein-rich

Description

This Halal Million Dollar Stuffed Shells recipe features jumbo pasta shells filled with a flavorful blend of seasoned halal chicken or beef, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella. Baked in a rich marinara sauce and topped with Parmesan, it’s a perfect dish for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Pasta

12 jumbo 12-15 pasta shells

Meat Filling

1 lb halal ground chicken or beef (450g)
1 tbsp olive oil
½ onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp red chili flakes (optional)

Cheese Mixture

1 cup halal ricotta cheese
½ cup halal mozzarella cheese, shredded
¼ cup halal Parmesan cheese, grated
1 egg

Sauce

2 cups halal marinara sauce
½ tsp dried basil
½ tsp dried oregano

Toppings

½ cup halal mozzarella cheese, shredded
¼ cup halal Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta Shells

1
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
2
Add 1 tsp salt to enhance the pasta flavor.
3
Drop in 12-15 jumbo pasta shells and stir to prevent sticking.
4
Cook the pasta 2 minutes less than package instructions to keep them firm for baking.
5
Drain the shells and rinse with cold water to stop further cooking.
6
Set aside on a flat surface to prevent them from sticking together.

2. Prepare the Meat Filling

7
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil.
8
Add ½ finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft.
9
Stir in 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
10
Add 1 lb (450g) halal ground chicken or beef and break it apart using a spatula.
11
Cook for 5-7 minutes until fully browned, stirring occasionally.
12
Season with:
13
½ tsp salt
14
½ tsp black pepper
15
1 tsp Italian seasoning
16
½ tsp red chili flakes (optional for spice)
17
Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes.
18
Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before mixing with the cheese.

3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture

19
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
20
1 cup halal ricotta cheese
21
½ cup shredded halal mozzarella cheese
22
¼ cup grated halal Parmesan cheese
23
1 egg (lightly beaten)
24
Stir until smooth and creamy.
25
Add the cooled meat mixture into the cheese mixture.
26
Mix well until fully combined.

4. Assemble the Stuffed Shells

27
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
28
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a light coating of oil or non-stick spray.
29
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the dish.
30
Take each cooked pasta shell and gently fill it with 2-3 tbsp of the meat-cheese mixture.
31
Arrange the stuffed shells side by side in the baking dish.

5. Add Sauce and Cheese Toppings

32
Pour the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
33
Spread the sauce evenly using a spoon.
34
Sprinkle ½ cup shredded halal mozzarella and ¼ cup grated halal Parmesan on top.
35
For extra flavor, add a pinch of dried basil or oregano on top.

6. Bake the Stuffed Shells

36
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil.
37
Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
38
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

7. Let It Rest and Serve

39
Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes.
40
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil.
41
Serve warm with a side of garlic bread or salad.
42
Enjoy your Halal Million Dollar Stuffed Shells!

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving
Calories 480kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 22g34%
Saturated Fat 12g60%
Cholesterol 75mg25%
Total Carbohydrate 40g14%
Dietary Fiber 4g16%
Sugars 6g
Protein 28g57%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Perfect Balance of Flavors

Million Dollar Stuffed Shells is a well-balanced dish with a rich, cheesy filling complemented by a tangy marinara sauce. The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a creamy texture, while the seasoning adds depth to the flavor. Each bite delivers a perfect mix of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet notes from the tomato sauce.

Ideal for Meal Prep and Leftovers

This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the stuffed shells in advance, refrigerate them, and bake when ready. It also freezes exceptionally well, making it a great make-ahead meal. Simply store the unbaked shells in an airtight container and bake straight from the freezer when needed.

Customizable for Different Diets

Million Dollar Stuffed Shells can easily be adjusted based on dietary needs.

Vegetarian option: Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
Dairy-free version: Use plant-based ricotta and mozzarella.
Gluten-free adaptation: Swap regular pasta shells for gluten-free ones.

Best Side Dishes to Serve With It

To make it a complete meal, pair Million Dollar Stuffed Shells with:

Garlic Bread – A crispy, buttery side to scoop up the extra sauce.
Caesar Salad – A refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
Roasted Vegetables – Adds a nutritious and flavorful element.

Baking Tips for Best Results

Don’t overcook the pasta shells. Cook them until just al dente so they don’t fall apart when stuffing.
Let the dish rest after baking. This helps the cheese set and prevents the filling from spilling out.
Cover with foil for the first half of baking. This keeps the cheese from over-browning before the shells are heated through.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze assembled, unbaked shells for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen with an extra 10-15 minutes added to the cooking time.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes or microwave in short intervals to prevent drying out.

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Read it online: https://aroundrecipe.com/recipe/million-dollar-stuffed-shells/

Samantha Doe

Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Samantha, a full-time food blogger, mother of 2 beautiful daughters and a lovely wife. I live in New Jersey with my family. Loves traveling, sharing new recipes, and spending time with my family.