When I think of ricotta stuffed shells, my taste buds start doing a happy dance. Imagine sinking your teeth into tender pasta filled with creamy ricotta, mingling with fresh herbs and tangy marinara. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, wrapping around you like a warm embrace, inviting you to indulge. You can’t help but feel that this dish is a hug in food form, perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing friends during casual gatherings.
The first time I made ricotta stuffed shells was a culinary adventure gone slightly awry. Picture this: me, armed with enthusiasm and too many ingredients, ready to create magic. Fast forward to a sauce explosion and ricotta flying across the kitchen like confetti at a party! Despite the chaos, those cheesy shells turned out to be the highlight of the evening, leaving everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a rainy Sunday or a festive occasion, these stuffed shells promise an unforgettable flavor experience.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This ricotta stuffed shells recipe is simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive for entertaining guests
- The rich flavors and creamy texture will have everyone coming back for more
- Visually stunning with vibrant colors, it’s perfect for any table setting
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite fillings or sauces, making every batch unique!
I remember serving these ricotta stuffed shells at my cousin’s engagement party; the oohs and ahhs were music to my ears.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Jumbo Pasta Shells: These are essential for holding all that luscious filling; don’t skimp on size!
Ricotta Cheese: Opt for fresh ricotta for creaminess that blends perfectly with herbs.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Adds gooey goodness that melts beautifully over the top.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of this cheese elevates flavor profiles—always worth it!
Fresh Herbs (Basil and Parsley): Use fresh herbs for vibrant flavors that make each bite sing.
Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce; it’s the heart of this dish.
Eggs: Helps bind the filling together while adding richness.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These add depth to your stuffing mix—don’t skip them!
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring everything together.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Shells: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside on parchment paper to cool slightly.
Create the Ricotta Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped herbs, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and creamy.
Stuff Those Shells: Gently take each shell and fill it generously with the ricotta mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Don’t hold back; they deserve all that creamy goodness!
Add Marinara Sauce: Spread half of your marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a baking dish. Carefully place the stuffed shells seam-side up on top of the sauce.
Cover and Bake: Pour remaining marinara sauce over the filled shells. Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top if desired. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbling and golden.
Enjoying these ricotta stuffed shells will become an instant family favorite! They are not just food; they are memories waiting to happen.
You Must Know
- Ricotta stuffed shells are a crowd-pleaser and perfect for family dinners
- The creamy filling and savory sauce make every bite feel like a warm hug
- Don’t forget to pair it with garlic bread for an unforgettable meal experience
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the pasta shells until al dente. While they cook, prepare the ricotta filling and sauce simultaneously to save time and maximize flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the ricotta for cottage cheese or add some spinach to the filling. This way, you can customize flavors while sneaking in extra nutrients!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring that melted cheese is still gooey.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley in your ricotta mixture for added freshness
- Ensure your pasta doesn’t stick together by tossing it lightly with olive oil after draining
- Always taste your sauce before serving; seasoning makes all the difference!
It was a cozy Sunday afternoon when I first made these ricotta stuffed shells. My friends devoured them so quickly that I almost didn’t get any leftovers!
FAQ
Can I freeze ricotta stuffed shells?
Yes, these shells freeze well, making them great for meal prep or last-minute dinners.
How long should I bake them?
Bake at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
What can I serve with ricotta stuffed shells?
Pair these delightful shells with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Ricotta stuffed shells are a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that blends tender jumbo pasta with a creamy ricotta filling and savory marinara sauce. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will leave everyone asking for seconds. With vibrant colors and customizable options, these stuffed shells not only taste amazing but also make for an impressive table centerpiece.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6 (12 stuffed shells) 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, herbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper; mix until smooth.
- Generously fill each shell with the ricotta mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish and place the filled shells seam-side up.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle extra mozzarella if desired. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (200g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
