The Best Easy Ricotta Stuffed Shells

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can match the rich, satisfying flavors of Ricotta Stuffed Shells. This recipe combines large, tender pasta shells with a creamy, cheesy ricotta filling, all nestled in a savory marinara sauce. The result is a dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a cozy weekend meal. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make, making it ideal for busy nights when you still want to enjoy a homemade meal.

What makes this recipe special is the balance of flavors. The blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses creates a creamy, rich filling that complements the tangy marinara sauce beautifully. Topped with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan, these stuffed shells are bursting with flavor and comfort in every bite. With a prep time that’s short and a cooking time that’s just right, this dish is a winner for any occasion.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting to explore Italian-inspired meals, these ricotta stuffed shells will quickly become a go-to recipe in your repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is quick to put together, even for beginner cooks.

2. Perfectly Creamy Filling

The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates an incredibly creamy, cheesy filling that melts perfectly inside each pasta shell.

3. Flavorful Marinara Sauce

The marinara sauce is seasoned with basil and oregano, adding just the right amount of zest to complement the rich filling.

4. Family-Friendly

This dish is loved by both kids and adults, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or gatherings.

5. Can Be Made Ahead

You can easily prepare the shells in advance and store them in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep or when entertaining guests.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• Jumbo pasta shells
• Ricotta cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Large egg
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

For the Sauce:

• Marinara sauce
• Dried basil
• Dried oregano

Optional Toppings:

• Additional Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves

Variations

• Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells: Add some chopped spinach to the ricotta filling for extra flavor and a nutritious boost.
• Meat Lovers: Mix in some cooked ground beef or Italian sausage into the ricotta filling for a meaty twist.
• Spicy Stuffed Shells: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or ricotta filling for some heat.
• Vegan Option: Use a dairy-free ricotta and vegan cheese to make these stuffed shells vegan-friendly.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions, but slightly undercook them (they will continue to cook in the oven). Drain and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is well combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. Add the dried basil and oregano, and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Fill each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta cheese mixture, being careful not to overstuff. Place the stuffed shells in a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Pour the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure they are evenly covered. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve

Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Shells: Since the shells will continue to cook in the oven, it’s best to undercook them slightly while boiling.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the stuffed shells the night before, cover them, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
• Keep It Moist: If the stuffed shells seem too dry before baking, you can add a bit more marinara sauce on top to keep them moist.
• Use Fresh Herbs: For a more vibrant flavor, use fresh basil instead of dried for a fragrant topping.
• Add Extra Cheese: Feel free to add more mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy layer.

How to Serve

Ricotta stuffed shells can be served as a standalone meal or paired with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A fresh, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a perfect complement to the richness of the stuffed shells. You can also serve them with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover ricotta stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Freezing

To freeze, assemble the stuffed shells as directed, but don’t bake them. Instead, cover the dish with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until fully heated.

Reheating

To reheat leftover stuffed shells, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the shells are heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular pasta instead of jumbo shells?

Jumbo shells are ideal for stuffing, but you can use any pasta shape that holds filling, like manicotti or large conchiglie.

2. Can I make the ricotta filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling up to a day ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the shells.

3. Can I freeze the stuffed shells before baking?

Yes, you can assemble and freeze the stuffed shells before baking. Just make sure to cover them tightly and bake them directly from frozen.

4. Can I add meat to the ricotta filling?

Yes, you can add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or chicken to the filling for a heartier dish.

5. What can I use if I don’t have mozzarella cheese?

If you don’t have mozzarella, you can substitute with provolone or fontina cheese for a similar creamy texture.

6. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works great for this recipe, but homemade sauce will add an extra layer of flavor.

7. How do I keep the shells from falling apart while stuffing them?

Make sure the shells are fully drained and slightly cooled before stuffing them to prevent them from breaking.

8. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta shells to make this recipe gluten-free.

9. Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Yes, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini would make great additions to the ricotta filling for extra flavor and nutrition.

10. How do I make this dish spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or mix some into the ricotta filling to add heat.

Conclusion

The Best Easy Ricotta Stuffed Shells are the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and savory marinara sauce. This recipe is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to make, making it a great choice for busy nights, family dinners, or even a weekend gathering. With its rich filling and flavorful sauce, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your household. Whether served as a main dish or part of a larger spread, these stuffed shells are a guaranteed hit!

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