Sweet Potato & Cheese Stuffed Shells

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Jumbo pasta shells stuffed with sweet potato and cheese, topped with marinara and baked until golden—packed with hidden veggies and irresistible flavor. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs jumbo pasta shells, medium, peeled and boiled sweet potato, shredded mozzarella cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook 12 oz jumbo pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix 1 cup mashed sweet potato, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper until combined.
  3. Step 3: Stuff each pasta shell with 2 tablespoons of the sweet potato mixture, pressing gently to fill.
  4. Step 4: Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish, pour 1/2 cup marinara sauce over the top, and drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the shells are golden and the sauce is bubbling.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sweet Potato & Cheese Stuffed Shells take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sweet Potato & Cheese Stuffed Shells?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep jumbo pasta shells from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sweet Potato & Cheese Stuffed Shells?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sweet Potato & Cheese Stuffed Shells for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Sweet Potato & Cheese Stuffed Shells?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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