Dreamy Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe: A Cozy Italian Classic

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

Pasta shells cradle a rich, velvety cheese mixture that melts in your mouth.

Fragrant herbs and classic Italian seasonings dance through each delectable bite.

Simple ingredients combine to create a dish bursting with traditional flavors.

Mediterranean-inspired cooking doesn’t require professional chef skills or complicated techniques.

Fresh ingredients make this recipe shine with authentic warmth.

Inviting aromas will draw everyone to the kitchen, eager to savor every delicious forkful.

Why Ricotta Stuffed Shells Are Always a Hit

• Savor Family-Friendly Comfort: This stuffed shells recipe brings pure joy to dinner tables with its crowd-pleasing Italian flavors and simple preparation.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like using spinach or adding ground meat to create personalized variations that suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal prep work and straightforward cooking steps make this dish perfect for busy families wanting a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Guaranteed to impress both kids and adults, these cheesy shells offer a classic comfort food experience that everyone will love and request again.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Ricotta Stuffed Shells

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

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Cheeses that provide a melty, tangy, and savory element to the stuffed shells.

• Egg, Parsley, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Ingredients that bind the filling, add freshness, and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Steps to Cook Ricotta Stuffed Shells Just Right

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375 degrees Fahrenheit, getting it ready for a delicious pasta adventure.

Step 2: Cook Those Shells

Boil the pasta shells until they’re perfectly tender, following the package guidelines.

Once done, drain and set them aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan
• One egg
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Dish

Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of your baking dish, creating a flavorful foundation.

Step 5: Stuff Those Shells

Carefully fill each pasta shell with the creamy cheese mixture, nestling them snugly into the sauce-covered baking dish.

Step 6: Sauce And Season

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they’re completely covered.

Sprinkle Italian seasoning across the top for an extra flavor boost.

Step 7: First Baking Round

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 8: Final Cheese Blast

Remove the foil and add an extra layer of mozzarella on top.

Return to the oven for 10 more minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 9: Rest And Serve

Let the shells rest for a few minutes to cool slightly, then serve hot and enjoy your cheesy pasta creation.

Making Stuffed Shells Taste Even Better

• Gently separate cooked shells immediately after draining to keep them from clumping together and tearing when filling.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh basil to the ricotta mixture for an extra flavor kick that elevates the entire dish.
• Pat ricotta with paper towels to remove excess liquid, ensuring a creamy filling that doesn't become watery during baking.
• Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make serving easier without falling apart.
• Incorporate finely chopped spinach or sautéed zucchini into the ricotta mixture for added nutrition and subtle vegetable flavor.

Ricotta Shell Flavor Twists to Try

• Vegan Shells: Replace ricotta with tofu or cashew cheese, use dairy-free mozzarella, and swap egg with ground flaxseed mixed with water.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute pasta shells with zucchini boats or large roasted bell pepper halves, maintaining the cheese filling.
• Protein-Packed Version: Add cooked ground turkey or chicken to the ricotta mixture for extra protein and depth of flavor.

Great Matches for Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Delightful Pasta Partner: Serve a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette alongside the shells to balance the rich, cheesy dish.
• Fresh Bread Boost: Add warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious marinara sauce and complement the shells.
• Veggie Companion: Roast seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus as a light, nutritious side that enhances the meal's flavor profile.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to elevate the taste and create a restaurant-quality dining experience.

Ricotta Stuffed Shells Storage How-To

• Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire dish in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.

FAQs

• Is ricotta cheese necessary for this recipe?

Ricotta cheese provides creamy texture and rich flavor essential to stuffed shells, creating the signature filling that makes this dish delicious.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute some cheeses like using cottage cheese instead of ricotta or adding provolone for extra flavor, but traditional recipe calls for ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

• How do I prevent shells from tearing while stuffing?

Cook pasta shells al dente, handle gently, and use a small spoon or piping bag to carefully fill each shell without breaking them. Let shells cool slightly before stuffing to make them more manageable.

Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ricotta stuffed shells elevate pasta night with creamy Italian-inspired comfort. Cheese-filled pasta shells bake to golden perfection, delivering rich flavors you will savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Cheese:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups (480 grams) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Binding:

• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Sauce and Oil:

• 3 cups (720 milliliters) marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375F (190C) for optimal baking temperature.
2. Boil pasta shells in salted water until perfectly al dente, then carefully drain and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Create a creamy filling by combining ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, beaten egg, chopped parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-incorporated.
4. Prepare the baking dish by spreading a generous layer of marinara sauce across the bottom to prevent sticking and add flavor.
5. Gently stuff each pasta shell with the prepared cheese mixture, ensuring they are filled but not overpacked.
6. Arrange the stuffed shells carefully in the sauce-lined baking dish, positioning them close together but not overlapping.
7. Drizzle the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the shells, covering them completely for maximum moisture.
8. Sprinkle Italian seasoning across the top for an aromatic herb finish.
9. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
10. Remove foil, top with additional mozzarella cheese, and return to oven for 10 more minutes until cheese becomes golden and bubbly.
11. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving to set the filling and enhance flavors.

Notes

• Ensure shells are cooked al dente to prevent mushiness when baking, as overcooked pasta can become soggy and lose its texture.
• For a gluten-free version, swap traditional pasta shells with gluten-free large pasta shells or use zucchini boats as a low-carb alternative.
• Enhance flavor by adding fresh basil or mixing roasted garlic into the ricotta filling for a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Prep shells ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, making it perfect for meal planning and busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 387 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 581 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 74 mg