When you think of comfort food, nothing quite compares to stuffed shells ricotta. Picture this: pillowy pasta shells generously filled with creamy ricotta, bursting with flavor and topped with a rich marinara sauce that dances in your mouth. The aroma alone can make anyone weak in the knees, as it fills your kitchen and beckons your family to the dinner table like a siren’s song.
I remember the first time I made stuffed shells ricotta for my family. My kids were skeptical at first—after all, who needs another pasta dish? But when they took that first bite, their eyes lit up like Christmas morning. “Can we have this every day?” they asked between mouthfuls. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This stuffed shells ricotta recipe is easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- Its rich flavors and creamy texture create a delightful experience for your taste buds
- The vibrant colors from the sauce make it visually appealing on any dinner table
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients or vegetables, you can make it your own!
I still chuckle when I think about that dinner. My husband, trying to be suave, twirled a shell on his fork and managed to fling some marinara across the room like an artist splashing paint on a canvas. We laughed so hard that night; it was one of those moments that made me realize how food can create beautiful memories.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Large Pasta Shells: Look for sturdy shells that can hold plenty of filling without breaking apart during cooking.
Ricotta Cheese: Use fresh ricotta for the best texture and flavor; it’s creamier than store-bought varieties.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for whole milk mozzarella for extra creaminess and that lovely stretchy effect.
Marinara Sauce: Choose a high-quality jarred sauce or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous; it makes a big difference.
Fresh Basil: Adds a burst of freshness; consider using it both in the filling and as garnish.
Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan instead of using pre-packaged for superior flavor and texture.
Egg: Helps bind the filling together; make sure it’s at room temperature for better mixing.
Garlic Powder: A little sprinkle enhances flavor without overwhelming the dish; adjust according to taste.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all the other flavors; don’t skimp!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Oven and Pasta Shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the filling.
Create the Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chopped basil. Mix until smooth and creamy—like a dream come true.
Fill Those Shells: Take each pasta shell and gently spoon in about 1-2 tablespoons of filling. Do not overstuff; nobody likes an exploding shell during dinner!
Add Marinara Sauce: Spread half of your marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange filled shells in a single layer on top of the sauce before drizzling with remaining marinara.
Toppings Galore: Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese over the stuffed shells like confetti at a party! Cover with aluminum foil (shiny side down) to keep moisture in while baking.
Bake Away: Place your covered baking dish in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Now you have an incredible plate of stuffed shells ricotta ready for devouring! Serve hot with extra basil on top because why not? You’ve earned some style points here.
As you dig into this comforting meal surrounded by loved ones or even solo (no judgment here), just remember: sometimes it’s not just about feeding our bellies but also our souls—and nothing does that better than homemade stuffed shells ricotta!
You Must Know
- Stuffed shells ricotta are an impressive yet surprisingly easy dish that can wow your guests
- The creamy filling and savory sauce create a comforting embrace of flavor, perfect for any family dinner or gathering
- Plus, they freeze beautifully for those busy nights when cooking seems impossible
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling your pasta shells until al dente, then prepare the filling while they cool. Layer sauce in your baking dish before stuffing the shells to ensure even flavor distribution.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ricotta for cottage cheese or add spinach for a veggie boost. A sprinkle of nutmeg can elevate the flavors beautifully, making each bite a delightful surprise.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover stuffed shells ricotta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through, ensuring that they maintain their cheesy goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly stuffed shells, use a piping bag to fill them without making a mess
- Always taste your ricotta mixture before stuffing to adjust seasonings
- Baking covered with foil prevents drying out but uncover towards the end for a golden top
Cooking these stuffed shells ricotta always reminds me of family gatherings where laughter filled the air and everyone fought over the last shell. Those moments are as delicious as the dish itself!
FAQ
Can I use different cheeses in my stuffed shells ricotta?
Absolutely! Mixing mozzarella or parmesan with ricotta adds extra flavor and creaminess.
How long can I freeze stuffed shells ricotta?
You can freeze them for up to three months; just ensure they’re well-sealed.
What sauce pairs best with stuffed shells ricotta?
A classic marinara or a rich Alfredo sauce complements the flavors wonderfully.
Stuffed Shells Ricotta
Stuffed shells ricotta are the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta shells filled with a luscious ricotta mixture and topped with rich marinara sauce. This dish not only satisfies your hunger but also creates heartwarming moments with family and friends around the dinner table. With its creamy texture and vibrant flavors, stuffed shells ricotta is perfect for cozy nights in or festive gatherings.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, basil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Fill each shell with about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture without overstuffing.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce in a baking dish and arrange filled shells on top. Drizzle with remaining sauce.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese on top and cover with foil. Bake for 25 minutes; remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until golden.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 stuffed shells (approx. 265g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
