How to Fill Stuffed Shells
Have you ever wondered how to stuff pasta shells without making a mess? If you’ve ever struggled with filling manicotti or stuffing jumbo shells, I have a super quick tip that makes the task easier than ever!
About this Simple Tip
Do you have trouble figuring out how to stuff pasta shells or filling manicotti without making a mess?
Some of you might already use this method for stuffing pasta, but if this is new to you, I’d love to hear what you think! Have you tried this trick before, or do you have another go-to method? Share in the comments—I love learning from you!
I really enjoy making stuffed pasta dishes, but let’s be honest—what a pain to fill, right? WRONG! Not when you use this best way to stuff shells—it’s a total game-changer!
In the picture, I’m not holding the shell with one hand and the bag with the other because I had to press the button on the camera, but you get the idea.
This makes it so much easier to fill stuffed shells—doesn’t it? Or, dare I say, it actually makes stuffing pasta… fun!?
Why You’ll Love this Tip
This simple trick will completely change how you stuff pasta, making the process fast, neat, and stress-free.
✔ Mess-Free – No more frustration with spoons and sticky fingers!
✔ Faster Than Ever – Get perfectly stuffed pasta in minutes.
✔ Works with Different Pastas – This trick is perfect for stuffed shells, manicotti, and cannelloni.
Tools You’ll Need to Stuff Pasta
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, gather these simple kitchen tools:
- Jumbo pasta shells, manicotti, or cannelloni
- Disposable pastry bag or quart-size ziplock bag
- Tall cup
- Scissors
- Prepared filling
★★★★★
Reader Review
“Oh my…The light bulb just went on for me! I felt incredibly frustrated when I made cannelloni not long ago…I said I’ll never do it again because it took FOREVER to fill them! THE answer is right here. How did I not know this? Thanks so much for an enlightening moment! Cheers!” —Kari
How to Fill Stuffed Shells – Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to fill pasta shells the easy way:
- Prep the Bag: Place a ziplock or pastry bag in a tall cup, fold edges over the rim, and spoon in the filling.
- Seal & Snip: Twist the top closed and cut a small hole in one corner.
- Fill the Shells: Squeeze the bag gently to pipe filling into each pasta shell.
- Repeat & Cook: Continue until all shells are filled, then cook as directed.
The above is simply a quick summary of this kitchen tip. Check out the full details in the free printable how-to card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.
Try This Tip with These Recipes
Now that you’ve mastered the easiest way to stuff pasta shells, put your new skill to the test with these delicious recipes:
- Manicotti Primavera – A fresh, veggie-filled take on a classic favorite.
- Sundried Tomato and Cheese Stuffed Shells – A cheesy, flavor-packed Italian dish.
Try this easy pasta-stuffing trick and share your results! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram @goodlifeeats and use the hashtag #goodlifeeatsrecipes so I can see and share your creations!
Next time you make stuffed shells or manicotti, try this simple, mess-free method and let me know how it works for you! Here’s what readers are saying about this tip:
★★★★★
Reader Review
“So much better than trying to get sticky filling off a spoon and into a pasta shell!” —Matt
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Have you ever struggled with filling stuffed shells? Do you have your own time-saving tips? Share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
How to Fill Stuffed Shells
Struggling to fill stuffed shells or manicotti? Try this easy piping bag trick for mess-free, perfectly filled pasta every time. No more frustration—just delicious, effortless stuffed shells!
Materials
- Pasta, such as manicotti or jumbo shells
- Pasta Filling
- Disposable pastry bag or quart size ziplock
- Tall cup
Tools
- Scissors
Instructions
Prepare Your Piping Bag:
- Place a ziplock bag or pastry bag inside a tall cup, folding the edges over the rim.
- Spoon the filling into the bag, being careful not to overfill it.
Seal & Cut the Tip:
- Remove the bag from the cup and twist the top closed to prevent spills.
- Snip off about ½ inch from one corner of the bag. The opening should be large enough for the filling to come out smoothly, but not so big that it oozes everywhere.
Fill the Pasta:
- Hold the pasta shell in one hand and the bag in the other.
- Squeeze the bag gently, piping the filling directly into the shell.
Repeat & Cook:
- Set the filled shells aside and repeat until all your pasta is stuffed.
- Cook according to your recipe’s instructions.
Notes
Katie’s Tip: This technique also works for manicotti and cannelloni! Just snip a slightly larger hole in the bag and pipe the filling right into the tubes.
Sydna Roseborough says
Do you know if there is a no-boil manicotti as there is a no-boil lasagna noodle?
Katie says
I haven’t seen any before in my stores.
nabel says
Please the recipe of the mixture.
Katie Goodman says
you can find that here http://www.goodlifeeats.com/2010/10/manicotti-primavera.html
Russell says
I use this method to fill devilled eggs
Marie Wolfe says
Great idea…will definitely try the next time I make stuffed shells. By the way, is that a Corian counter top you are working on? Just curious, as I work for DuPont and work directly with Corian.
Katie says
Yes it is Corian.
MsPiggy408 says
Can u please teach me your version of the filling? Thanx so much, Godbless!
Katie says
The filling was leftovers from this recipe as I mentioned in the post: http://www.goodlifeeats.com/2010/10/manicotti-primavera.html
Kira says
I’m sure this is a silly question, but do you stuff after pasta shells have been cooked? or do you stuff then cook? and if you do the second option how do you cook that??
Sincerely,
a humble new cook 🙂
Katie says
I boil the pasta shells, but just a minute or two less than package instructions for pasta, stuff, then add to a casserole pan with sauce, cover and bake.
Krissie says
I use this technique all the time. I fill Deviled eggs, decorate cookies, decorate cupcakes… It works so well!
Aysha says
The filling in this picture looks so tasty! recipe please!!!!! 🙂
Katie says
The filling recipe is from Manicotti Primavera.
Siobhan Malone says
I use this tip as well!! Great post!! Question, the picture you took, what is that fillings recipe? It looks delicious!! 🙂
Katie says
The filling is from the Manicotti Primavera recipe.
Angie -- Bigbearswife says
oooo why didnt I think of that! I always fight with a spoon and the filling
Rosalie says
@Angie — Bigbearswife, you can use a spoon, but it works best with a tiny spoon, like you’d feed a baby with. Gets tedious fast tho.
Marisa says
Clever!
Seanna Lea says
I make a lot of decorated cakes and I have a lot of decorator bags and tips, so this makes a ton of sense to me! Your method of filling the bag is the same method I use for filling a bag of frosting and I bet it would also make building ravioli easier too!
Matt Kay says
So much better than trying to get sticky filling off a spoon and into a pasta shell!
I’m sure you’ve made a lot of foodies apply their palm to their forehead over this one. 😀 DOH!
Thanks for sharing the great tip.
Matt Kay
denise stine says
I know that I did the big “DAH !!!” thing !!! LOL… I do this for decorating candy & cookies with melted chocolate, why did I never think of it for shells???!!!
Kris says
I use this technique too, such a time/mess saver! I agree that filling looks delicious, I might have to make it! For those wondering how to do tube shells, I’ve read that you should fill one end(using the bag tip above), turn it around and fill the other. I haven’t tried it (my husband isn’t a huge pasta fan..boo!) but it seems to make sense!
Jennifer (Savor) says
Yes, I use this technique and it is such a time and mess saver