These copycat Olive Garden stuffed shells are loaded with rich, cheesy goodness. They're the perfect weeknight meal for your family.

If you love that rich, cheesy flavor from the stuffed shells at Olive Garden, this recipe is for you. This copycat version is absolutely delicious, so cheesy, and so easy to make.

Copycat Olive Garden Stuffed Shells

Olive Garden's stuffed shells are one of my favorite dishes from the restaurant. I order it frequently when we go there. One night, it occurred to me that rather than going to Olive Garden, I could just make them for myself and my family!

Ingredients

You only need a few simple ingredients to make this recipe.

• jumbo shells
• ricotta cheese
• mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• garlic powder
• garlic salt
• spaghetti sauce
• butter
• Italian style breadcrumbs
• heavy whipping cream

Instructions

Although this recipe has several steps, they're all very easy when you break them down.

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350ºF.

Step 2: Prepare an 8x8-inch baking dish by spraying it was nonstick cooking spray. 

Step 3: Next, spread 1 cup of spaghetti sauce in the bottom Set aside.

Step 4: Prepare shells by cooking them according to the package directions. Set aside and allow to cool.

Step 5: In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp garlic salt.

Step 6: Stuff cooled shells with cheese mixture.

Step 7: Place stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish.

Step 8: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 32 minutes. 

Step 9: To prepare Alfredo sauce, place 7 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until butter is melted.

Step 10: Slowly pour in 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream, stirring continuously.

Step 11: Add 1 tsp garlic powder and 1/2 tsp garlic salt. Stir again.

Step 12: Add 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup grated parmesan Stir until smooth. Remove from heat

Step 13: When shells are cooked, drizzle Alfredo sauce over top of shells.

Step 14: Spoon remaining 1/2 cup spaghetti sauce over top also.

Step 15: In a small bowl, melt 1 tbsp butter and stir in breadcrumbs.

Step 16: Sprinkle breadcrumbs over top.

Step 17: Broil uncovered for 2-3 minutes or until top begins to brown.

Equipment

You only need a few simple pieces of equipment to make this recipe.

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Bowl
• Spoon
• Baking dish
• Saucepan

Substitutions

Half and Half or Whole Milk: If you don't have heavy whipping cream, use half and half or whole milk.

Regular Bread Crumbs: If you don't have Italian bread crumbs, simply add Italian seasoning to regular bread crumbs.

Options

Looking for ways to change up this copycat Olive Garden stuffed shells recipe? Here are some suggestions.

Cottage Cheese: If you prefer your cheese mixture a bit wetter, use half cottage cheese and half ricotta.

Ground Beef: For a beefy twist, brown ground beef and add it to the spaghetti sauce.

Tips:

• Be gentle when stuffing the shells so you don't tear them.
• Be sure you make the bottom layer of sauce nice and thick so the shells don't stick or burn.
• When adding the spaghetti sauce to the top of the cheese mixture, it's better to pour it rather than try to spread it.

More Copycat Recipes

• Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls
• Copycat Taco Bell Taquitos

FAQ

Copycat Olive Garden Stuffed Shells

Ready to cook this copycat Olive Garden stuffed shells recipe? Then print the recipe card below.