RICOTTA STUFFED SHELLS

Ricotta Stuffed Shells is a classic Italian-American dish that’s perfect for a comforting family dinner. Filled with a creamy ricotta mixture and baked in a flavorful marinara sauce, these pasta shells are cheesy, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you to create a delicious meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Ingredients
3. Instructions
4. Cook Notes & Tips
5. Variations
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
7. Conclusion

Introduction

Ricotta Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta shells with a creamy ricotta filling, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests, and it’s also easy to prepare ahead of time. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced chef, this recipe makes it simple to bring classic Italian flavors to your dinner table.

Ingredients

• 20-25 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3 cups marinara sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Ricotta Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, basil, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Fill the Shells: Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture into each cooked pasta shell.
5. Assemble the Dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange the filled shells in the dish, open side up. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the shells.
6. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the shells.
7. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve: Let the shells cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil or parsley if desired. Enjoy!

Cook Notes & Tips

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the pasta shells until just al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
• Prevent Sticking: To prevent the shells from sticking together after draining, rinse them under cold water and toss them with a bit of olive oil.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed shells up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Variations

• Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells: Add 1 cup of cooked, chopped spinach to the ricotta mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Meaty Stuffed Shells: Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the marinara sauce for a heartier dish.
• Cheese Lovers: Add shredded provolone or fontina cheese to the filling for an extra cheesy experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Freeze Stuffed Shells?

Yes, you can freeze stuffed shells. Assemble the dish but do not bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

2. How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

3. Can I Use Store-Bought Sauce?

Absolutely! Using a good-quality store-bought marinara sauce saves time and makes this dish even easier.

Ricotta Stuffed Shells are a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. With creamy ricotta filling, tender pasta, and a rich marinara sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit. It’s easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and freezes beautifully—making it a versatile recipe to have in your collection.

Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the comforting flavors of classic Italian cuisine!

Happy Cooking!