Creamy Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe: Homemade Italian Magic

Creamy ricotta stuffed shells invite you on a delightful culinary adventure through Italian comfort cuisine.

Pasta shells become magical vessels for smooth, rich cheese blends.

Weeknight dinners transform with this simple yet impressive dish.

Homemade magic happens when tender pasta meets velvety cheese fillings.

Each shell promises a burst of flavor that delights the senses.

Layers of melted cheese and herbs create a mouthwatering experience.

Ricotta Stuffed Shells – All The Appeal

• Breeze Through Preparation: This recipe offers a straightforward cooking process that doesn't require advanced culinary skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and classic marinara sauce, these stuffed shells deliver ultimate comfort food satisfaction that everyone loves.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals, this dish adapts easily to different occasions and can be prepared in advance for convenient entertaining.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra herbs, vegetables, or proteins to personalize the recipe and keep things interesting for repeated meals.

Ingredients Needed For Ricotta Shells Magic

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for holding the creamy ricotta filling.

• Ricotta Cheese: Soft, creamy cheese that creates a smooth and rich filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a melty, stretchy texture and golden topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor to enhance the overall taste.
• Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture together and provides structure.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and flavor to the dish.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that brings a light, fresh element to the cheese mixture.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Steps To Make Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Preheat and Boil

Turn the oven to 375°F.

Grab a large pot and fill it with water, adding a generous sprinkle of salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Cook the jumbo pasta shells until they’re perfectly tender, following the package directions.

Once done, drain the shells and let them cool down slightly.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Shredded mozzarella (half the amount)
• Grated Parmesan
• One beaten egg
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything together until the filling looks smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spread a thick layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of your baking dish.

This creates a delicious base and keeps the shells from sticking to the pan.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Take a spoon or piping bag and generously fill each cooked shell with the ricotta mixture.

Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer over the marinara sauce, placing them close together.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese Topping

Pour additional marinara sauce over the shells, making sure they’re completely covered.

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top to create a mouthwatering golden crust.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly and golden.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the dish cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

This allows the shells to set and makes serving easier.

Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Pro Tips For Gooey, Flavorful Stuffed Shells

• Slightly undercook pasta shells by 1-2 minutes to ensure they remain firm after baking and absorb sauce without becoming mushy.
• Mix fresh herbs like basil or oregano into ricotta filling for an extra aromatic and vibrant taste profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Drain ricotta cheese in a cheesecloth for 30 minutes before mixing to remove excess liquid and create a creamier, less watery filling.
• Assemble the entire dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months – perfect for make-ahead meal preparation.

Shells Variations For Your Ricotta Dish

• Vegan Ricotta Shells: Replace ricotta with tofu blended with nutritional yeast, cashews, and herbs for a creamy plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells or replace shells with zucchini boats for a low-carb option.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Add ground turkey or chicken to the ricotta mixture for extra protein and depth of flavor.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Shells: Incorporate spinach, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes into the filling for a Greek-style twist.

Serving Stuffed Shells For Any Occasion

• Comforting Family Feast: Serve this hearty dish with a crisp garden salad tossed in light vinaigrette for a fresh contrast to the rich pasta.
• Rustic Italian Sidekick: Pair with warm garlic bread or crusty ciabatta to soak up the delicious marinara sauce and complement the cheesy shells.
• Wine Lover's Delight: Enhance the meal with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which beautifully balances the creamy ricotta and tangy tomato sauce.
• Veggie Power Plate: Add roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus on the side to boost nutrition and add colorful variety to the dinner spread.

Storing Ricotta Stuffed Shells With Ease

• Store leftover ricotta stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Wrap individual shells or the entire dish securely in freezer-safe wrap or aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove shells from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying, then bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• What type of cheese works best for the filling?

Ricotta is the primary cheese, offering a creamy, smooth texture. Mozzarella and Parmesan add depth and richness to the filling, creating a perfect blend of flavors.

• Can I make the shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

• Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

Absolutely! The ricotta stuffed shells are completely vegetarian, featuring cheese, herbs, and marinara sauce without any meat ingredients.

Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cheesy ricotta stuffed shells bring Mediterranean comfort to your dinner table, blending Italian tradition with creamy indulgence. Generous pasta pockets filled with herbed ricotta create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Pasta and Main Components:

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 15 ounces (425 grams) whole milk ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Filling and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Finishing Components:

• 2 cups marinara sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F, creating the ideal temperature for a perfectly baked pasta dish.
2. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
4. Coat the bottom of a baking dish with a generous layer of marinara sauce, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking and add foundational flavor.
5. Carefully fill each cooled pasta shell with the ricotta mixture, using a spoon or piping bag for precise and even distribution.
6. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single, tight layer over the marinara sauce, positioning them close together to maximize filling and presentation.
7. Pour additional marinara sauce over the shells, thoroughly covering each one to maintain moisture and enhance flavor.
8. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese across the top, creating a tantalizing golden-brown crust during baking.
9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cheese to begin melting.
10. Remove the foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until the cheese becomes fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
11. Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven, letting the flavors settle before serving.

Notes

• Swap part-skim ricotta for full-fat cheese to create a richer, creamier filling that melts perfectly in your mouth.
• Consider adding sautéed spinach or ground Italian sausage to the ricotta mixture for extra flavor and nutrition boost.
• Prep shells ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight dinner preparation a breeze.
• Use gluten-free jumbo shells and dairy-free cheese alternatives to transform this classic recipe into a friendly option for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg