There’s nothing like the first bite of stuffed shells ricotta to transport you back to Grandma’s kitchen, where love is measured in heaping spoonfuls of cheese and pasta. Picture this: tender pasta shells cradling a creamy ricotta blend, drowning in a rich marinara sauce, all bubbling away in the oven. The aroma wafts through the air, teasing your senses and promising an explosion of flavor that you simply can’t resist.
Now imagine gathering around the table with family, laughter echoing off the walls as everyone digs into their platefuls of cheesy goodness. Each shell bursts with flavor, evoking memories of shared meals and endless chatter. Stuffed shells ricotta isn’t just dinner; it’s a delightful experience meant for cozy nights in or festive gatherings with loved ones.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This stuffed shells ricotta recipe is a breeze to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions
- The layers of flavor create an unforgettable taste sensation that will keep everyone coming back for more
- Visually stunning with its vibrant red sauce and golden cheese topping, it will be the star of any dinner table
- Versatile enough to swap out ingredients based on preferences or dietary needs, this dish can easily become a family favorite
I remember the first time I made stuffed shells ricotta for my friends; their faces lit up like Christmas morning when they took their first bites.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Large Pasta Shells: Opt for sturdier shells that can hold up to the filling and sauce without breaking apart.
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Ricotta Cheese: Use fresh ricotta for an authentic taste; it adds creaminess that makes every bite heavenly.
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Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Go for whole milk mozzarella; it melts beautifully and offers that gooey texture we all love.
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Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated gives more flavor than pre-packaged; it adds a lovely nutty finish to your dish.
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Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought version or whip up a quick homemade batch if you’re feeling adventurous.
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Fresh Basil: A handful of chopped basil brightens the flavors; don’t skip this herb—it’s essential!
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Egg: One egg binds the filling together nicely while adding richness to the mixture.
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Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings elevate every layer of flavor; season generously but taste as you go!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta shells until al dente according to package instructions, then drain and set aside on parchment paper—this will prevent sticking.
Create Your Cheesy Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated—this is where magic begins!
Stuff Those Shells!: Take each cooked pasta shell and gently fill it with about one tablespoon of your cheesy mixture. Place each stuffed shell seam-side down into a baking dish—who knew pasta could be so cute?
Pour on the Sauce!: Spread half of your marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Use a spatula to ensure every shell gets its fair share—no shell left behind!
Add More Cheese!: Sprinkle remaining mozzarella over the top generously because there’s no such thing as too much cheese! Cover with foil (shiny side in) to keep everything moist while baking.
Bake to Perfection!: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 25 minutes covered. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown—just take a moment to admire that glorious cheesy crust!
Enjoy these delicious stuffed shells ricotta hot from the oven! Pair them with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds (or thirds!).
So there you have it—the ultimate comfort food experience that brings joy both in preparation and at the dinner table!
You Must Know
- Stuffed shells with ricotta are perfect for meal prep
- They freeze wonderfully and can be customized based on your cravings or what’s in the fridge
- The aroma of baked cheese bubbling will make your kitchen feel like a cozy Italian bistro
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the pasta while preparing the ricotta filling. Then, layer the sauce in a baking dish before adding the stuffed shells. This order ensures everything cooks evenly and reduces hassle.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ricotta for cottage cheese or add spinach for extra nutrients. Toss in some herbs like basil or oregano for a flavor boost that’ll wow your taste buds!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh herbs to elevate your stuffed shells ricotta with vibrant flavors
- Make sure not to overcook your pasta; al dente is key!
- Adding extra cheese on top creates a delightful golden crust that everyone will love
Cooking these stuffed shells brings back memories of family gatherings, where everyone fought over the last shell—proving they’re irresistible and always a hit!
FAQ
Can I use other cheeses besides ricotta?
Absolutely! Cream cheese or mascarpone can add creaminess to your stuffed shells.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Add sautéed vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to create a hearty vegetarian option.
Can I prepare stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them a day ahead, then bake when ready for a delicious meal without stress.
Delicious Stuffed Shells with Ricotta
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Makes about 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of stuffed shells ricotta—a delightful dish that combines tender pasta and a creamy ricotta filling, all topped with rich marinara sauce and gooey cheese. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table.
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil salted water, then cook pasta shells until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, basil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Fill each shell with one tablespoon of the cheesy mixture and place in a baking dish seam-side down.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top. Cover with foil.
- Bake for 25 minutes covered; remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
