Name: Herb & Zucchini Stuffed Jumbo Shells
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 20 jumbo pasta shells; 2 medium zucchini, grated; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1 egg; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Golden, bubbling, and layered with creamy ricotta, sautéed zucchini, and fresh herbs, these Herb & Zucchini Stuffed Jumbo Shells are a weeknight vegetarian dream and a dinner party showstopper. Each shell is filled with a flavorful, cheesy green medley, then baked in a savory tomato base until everything is perfectly melty and crisp on top.

It’s the kind of dish that makes you want seconds, maybe thirds. The contrast between the herbaceous filling and the rich tomato sauce is irresistibly comforting—and it reheats beautifully the next day. Whether you’re vegetarian or simply looking to squeeze in more veggies, this meal delivers big flavor in every bite.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

For this dish, jumbo pasta shells (conchiglioni) are essential. Their deep pockets hold the zucchini-herb filling wonderfully, and they bake to tender perfection without falling apart. Look for high-quality durum wheat shells that won’t tear during boiling and stuffing.

Ingredients for the Herb & Zucchini Stuffed Jumbo Shells

Jumbo Pasta Shells
These are the stars of the show, providing the perfect vessel for holding the herby ricotta filling.

Zucchini
Grated and sautéed, zucchini adds a slightly sweet, soft bite and a boost of green nutrition.

Ricotta Cheese
Creamy, mild, and smooth—ricotta creates the rich base of the filling.

Mozzarella Cheese
Used both in the filling and sprinkled on top for that golden, melty finish.

Parmesan Cheese
For that salty, nutty bite that deepens the flavor.

Fresh Basil & Parsley
These herbs give the dish its signature freshness and vibrant color.

Egg
Acts as a binder in the filling, helping it stay together during baking.

Garlic
Sauteed with the zucchini, it adds depth and aromatic flavor.

Marinara Sauce
The base layer that infuses every shell with bold tomato flavor.

Olive Oil
Used to sauté the vegetables and adds richness.

How To Make the Herb & Zucchini Stuffed Jumbo Shells

Step 1: Boil the Shells

Cook the jumbo shells in salted boiling water until just shy of al dente (they’ll finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a skillet, sauté garlic and grated zucchini in olive oil until soft and slightly golden. Transfer to a mixing bowl and combine with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped basil, parsley, and egg. Mix until creamy and well combined.

Step 3: Fill the Shells

Gently stuff each shell with a generous spoonful of the ricotta-zucchini mixture. Use a small spoon or piping bag for neater filling.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Nestle the stuffed shells on top, then spoon over more marinara. Sprinkle extra mozzarella and Parmesan for a golden topping.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.

Serving and Storing These Herb & Zucchini Stuffed Jumbo Shells

Serve hot with a garnish of fresh basil and an optional drizzle of good olive oil. This dish pairs perfectly with a crisp side salad or roasted veggies. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheat well in the microwave or oven. You can also freeze them (pre- or post-bake) for up to a month—just thaw and bake when needed.

What to Serve With Herb & Zucchini Stuffed Jumbo Shells?

Garlic Bread

Classic and crave-worthy, it mops up the marinara like a dream.

Arugula Salad

Peppery greens with lemon vinaigrette cut through the richness beautifully.

Roasted Broccoli

Add some crispiness and a touch of char to contrast the soft shells.

White Bean Salad

A cool and protein-packed side for balance.

Roasted Parmesan Green Beans

These Roasted Parmesan Green Beans are crisp, cheesy, and complement the herby filling perfectly.

Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread

Soft, gooey, and buttery—ideal for a crowd.

Tomato Basil Soup

A comforting warm-up that echoes the flavors of the main dish.

Want More Pasta Bake Ideas?

If these Herb & Zucchini Stuffed Jumbo Shells hit the spot, you’ll definitely want to check out these other cozy pasta favorites:

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells for a richer, leafy green variation.
Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe if you’re craving something hearty and meaty.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta for a quick, satisfying skillet dinner.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for a creamy, cheesy bake with a French twist.
One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta to add a smoky, savory touch to your weeknight routine.