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What to Serve with Stuffed Shells

Got no idea what to serve with stuffed shells? From vegetables to salads, casseroles, and different kinds of bread, these side dish ideas are sure to take your lunch or dinner to the next level. 

Stuffed shells are one of the all time family favorites that are not only comforting and freezer friendly, but are perfect to impress the crowd as well. This dish is good on its own but it is way better with the right side dishes.

Entertaining a crowd or not, knowing what to serve with stuffed shells is the best way to jazz up and make your meals more interesting. So scroll down to discover some of the best side dishes for stuffed shells that you can whip up at home. 

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Pin showing the title What to Serve With Stuffed Shells

How many stuffed shells is a serving?

Stuffed shells are made with Jumbo seashell shaped pasta usually filled with cheese mixture made with ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, garlic, and fresh herbs, then baked in marinara sauce. You can whip up this main dish in less than an hour or prep them ahead.

For other flavor variations, you can also make your stuffed shells with meat, vegetables, and other types of sauces and cheese. If you want to try something new, you’ll love to check out this amazing collection of 20 Stuffed Shells Recipes

When it comes to serving size, one serving is about two to three shells but for larger appetites, it can take up to four shells. Most stuffed shell recipes can yield about six servings or make about 20 to 22 shells, perfect for entertaining a small crowd. 

What side goes well with stuffed shells?

Stuffed shells are not only quick and easy to make but they are also fancy enough to wow the crowd. But of course, if you want to impress them even more, it’s a must to serve your stuffed shells with the best side dishes that complement them but at the same time, do not overpower the recipes. 

There are plenty of side dishes that go well with stuffed shells, probably even some you haven’t considered. With the list of side dishes below, you’ll know what to serve with stuffed shells every time you make them. 

Whether you prefer roasted vegetables, salads, casseroles, garlic bread, dinner rolls, or others, you’ll have a wide variety of sides to choose from. Just scroll down below and try out your favorites.

What Side Dishes to Serve with Stuffed Shells

Kitchen essentials you’ll need to make side dishes for stuffed shells:

Aside from giving you ideas on what to serve with stuffed shells, I’ll also share some useful shopping links here that you can check out.

These items consist of kitchen tools and gadgets that will come in handy when whipping up these side dishes. They’ll be a great addition to your kitchen arsenal and wonderful gift ideas for your fellow at home chefs as well. 

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Best Side Dishes for Stuffed Shells

Want to make a satisfying, filling, and comforting meal for everyone? These side dishes are sure to earn you a lot of praise!

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Who does not love mashed potatoes? Using the Instant Pot, you can make this side dish in a flash!

Rice

Rice makes a great side dish for all kinds of main dishes including stuffed shells. If you want to make perfectly cooked rice, check out this cooking guide

Baked Potatoes

Can anyone say no to baked potatoes? If you want to make this side dish in a quicker, easier, and healthier way, you can try this loaded air fryer baked potatoes recipe.

Ravioli

Store bought or homemade, ravioli tastes incredible with stuffed shells. This Italian pairing is not to be missed!

Macaroni and Cheese

Want to make an extra comforting meal that your guests will not be able to forget? Why not serve your stuffed shells with macaroni and cheese? This pair is super delicious together!

Mashed Cauliflower

Want to cut down on carbs? Mashed cauliflower is the side dish you have been looking for. This side dish is so easy to prepare you only need about 25 minutes to whip it up.

Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Casserole

Cheesy and versatile, this side dish is sure to be a hit! But if you’re looking for a delicious way to consume your summer squash, you can also try this squash and zucchini casserole recipe.

What Vegetables Go with Stuffed Shells?

Love veggies? Or aiming for a vegetarian/vegan meal? These vegetable side dishes are all for you!

Roasted Asparagus

What could be simpler and easier than roasting asparagus and serving it as a side dish for stuffed shells? If you want a yummier twist, you can also make this side using Everything But the Bagel Seasoning

Garlic Roasted Broccoli

Garlicky and simply delicious and healthy, what more can you ask for? This effortless side dish is a must try. 

Green Beans

Green beans are just so versatile they taste amazing with any dish. Plus, they can also add nutrition, color, and texture to your meal.

Cucumber Salad

Fresh, light, and flavorful, you can whip up this salad in less than ten minutes! Cucumber salad is so simple and yet it complements all kinds of main dishes especially, stuffed shells. 

Vegetable Salad

You can make a refreshing and crisp vegetable salad by using veggies such as cauliflower, zucchini, grape tomatoes, mushrooms, bell pepper, carrots, and broccoli. 

Roasted Root Vegetables

Roasted root vegetables can add amazing flavors and texture to your lunch or dinner. For this side dish, you can use onions, carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and other root vegetables you’d like to try. 

Zucchini Fries

You’ll get addicted to this tasty, crispy, and nutritious side dish. Making zucchini fries will only require you a handful of ingredients you usually keep on hand and it only takes less than 25 minutes to make. 

Stuffed Tomatoes

Big and fresh beefsteak tomatoes filled with a mixture of parmesan cheese, basil, breadcrumbs, and olive oil, these stuffed tomatoes will make your mouth water. They do not only make great side dishes but tasty treats as well.

Stuffed Shells Dinner Menu

Complete your stuffed shells dinner menu with these awesome side dishes that you can whip up with just a little muss and fuss at home. If you love pastries, these side dish ideas won’t disappoint.

Dinner Rolls

Believe it or not, bread and pasta also make a delicious pair. And of course, if you make homemade dinner rolls, there’s no doubt they’ll be better.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread and pasta are a classic combination. You should definitely try pairing this side dish with your stuffed shells.

Bruschetta

Want a complete Italian inspired meal? Try pairing your stuffed shells with bruschetta. This side dish only calls for Italian bread and simple tomato salad for toppings.

Breadsticks

Did you know? You can whip up this side dish with just three ingredients in just 15 minutes? Yes, breadsticks are so easy to make, you’ll want to have them everytime.

Looking for more side dishes to try?

Hopefully, this guide was able to help you find the perfect side dish to complete your lunch/dinner menu. If you need more side dishes to spice up your meals, you can check out these posts.