Dreamy Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Creamy ricotta stuffed shells bring pure comfort to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Pasta lovers appreciate how these delicate shells cradle a rich, velvety filling.

Generous dollops of cheese nestle perfectly inside each tender pasta pocket.

Fragrant herbs and classic Italian seasonings elevate this classic dish beyond ordinary expectations.

Simple ingredients combine to create something truly memorable for your evening meal.

Surprise your taste buds with this irresistible recipe that promises warmth and satisfaction in every delicious bite.

Serving Suggestions for Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Serve these cheesy shells alongside a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete, comforting meal that brings everyone together around the table.
• Elegant Dinner Party Presentation: Plate individual shells on white dishes, drizzle extra marinara sauce around the edges, and sprinkle fresh basil leaves for a sophisticated restaurant-style appearance.
• Hearty Meal Prep Option: Pack cooled shells in meal prep containers for easy lunch or dinner during the week, keeping sauce and cheese separate to maintain optimal texture when reheating.
• Italian-Inspired Side Dish: Pair these shells with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a light protein to create a balanced and satisfying Mediterranean-style plate that celebrates classic flavors.

Storing Ricotta Stuffed Shells Properly

• Refrigerate leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Freeze individual portions or the entire dish in a freezer-safe container for maximum 3 months, wrapping carefully with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Thaw frozen shells overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to ensure even temperature distribution and maintain texture.
• Reheat refrigerated or thawed shells in the oven at 350F, covered with foil for 15-20 minutes, which helps restore the original melty cheese and prevents drying out.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

While jumbo shells are traditional, you can substitute with large pasta tubes or even large manicotti shells for a similar stuffed pasta experience.

• Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! This ricotta stuffed shells recipe is already vegetarian. Just ensure your marinara sauce doesn’t contain meat and you’re set.

• How can I make the filling extra creamy?

Add a splash of heavy cream or an extra 1/4 cup of ricotta cheese to enhance the creamy texture of the filling. Mixing thoroughly will help create a smoother consistency.

• Can I prepare these shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells in advance, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe Overview

• Quick and Simple Preparation: Craft delicious stuffed shells with minimal kitchen skills, combining ingredients effortlessly and creating a restaurant-worthy meal in no time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Deliver a hearty, cheesy dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
• Versatile Weeknight Dinner Solution: Transform basic ingredients into a satisfying meal that can be prepped ahead and baked when ready, reducing stress during busy evenings and providing a delectable solution for hungry families.
• Customizable Flavor Profile: Easily adapt the recipe by switching herbs, adding protein like ground meat, or incorporating different cheese varieties to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients Checklist for Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for holding the creamy ricotta filling.
• Ricotta Cheese: A soft, creamy Italian cheese that creates a smooth and rich stuffing.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and flavor to the dish.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that provide extra creaminess and a golden top to the shells.

• Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture together and provides structure.
• Parsley, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Herbs and spices that enhance the overall flavor of the ricotta filling.

How to Prepare Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for delicious action.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Boil those giant pasta shells until they’re tender but still have a slight bite.

Drain them and let them cool down while you prep the filling.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Mixture

• Smooth ricotta cheese
• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan
• Beaten egg
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Italian herbs
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything until it’s super smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Dish

Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a tasty foundation.

Step 5: Stuff Those Shells

Carefully fill each pasta shell with the creamy cheese mixture.

Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish, nestling them close together with their openings facing upward.

Step 6: Add Sauce and Cheese Topping

Pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells, making sure each one gets some love.

Sprinkle extra mozzarella on top for an extra cheesy finish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy your delicious pasta shells!

Tips for Perfect Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Ensure shells are cooked al dente to prevent becoming mushy during baking.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother, more evenly mixed filling.
• Drain ricotta cheese beforehand to avoid excess moisture in the stuffing.
• Experiment with adding chopped spinach or herbs for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set and make serving easier.

Alternative Takes on Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Vegan Cheese Shell Delight: Replace ricotta with tofu or cashew cheese, use plant-based mozzarella, and swap egg with ground flaxseed mixed with water.
• Gluten-Free Shell Option: Substitute jumbo pasta shells with gluten-free pasta shells or large zucchini boats for a low-carb alternative.
• Spinach Protein Boost: Add chopped spinach and ground turkey or chicken to the ricotta mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Shells: Incorporate crumbled feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil into the cheese mixture for a Mediterranean twist.

Creamy Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy ricotta stuffed shells bring Italian comfort to your dinner table. Pasta shells brim with herbed cheese, nestled in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella. You’ll savor each cheesy, comforting bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) marinara sauce
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded mozzarella cheese

Cheese and Binding Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a preheated oven at 375F (190C), ensuring optimal temperature for baking.
2. Cook jumbo pasta shells in boiling water until they reach a tender al dente consistency, then carefully drain and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Create a creamy filling by whisking ricotta cheese with mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and seasonings until thoroughly blended and smooth.
4. Evenly distribute marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a flavorful base for the shells.
5. Generously fill each pasta shell with the prepared ricotta mixture, positioning them open-side up in the sauced baking dish.
6. Drench the stuffed shells with remaining marinara sauce, then sprinkle an additional layer of mozzarella cheese for extra richness.
7. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and continue baking for 10 more minutes until cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbly surface.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley just before serving to add a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch.

Notes

• Achieve perfect al dente shells by cooking 1-2 minutes less than package instructions to prevent overcooking during baking.
• Replace egg with ground flaxseed mixed with water for a vegan-friendly version that maintains binding properties.
• Use part-skim ricotta to reduce overall fat content without compromising creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Customize flavor by adding roasted vegetables like spinach or zucchini into the cheese mixture for extra nutrition and depth.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 470 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg