Ricotta Stuffed Shells

There’s something truly comforting about a warm plate of Ricotta Stuffed Shells. I remember the first time I had them; I was at a family gathering, and my cousin had prepared a big batch for everyone. The aroma of baked pasta filled the kitchen, drawing us all in like a beacon. Each shell was packed with creamy ricotta cheese, mingled with herbs and spices, nestled in a rich marinara sauce, and topped with melting mozzarella cheese. As I took my first bite, the flavors danced together in perfect harmony, and I knew I had found a new favorite dish. Now, I often whip these up for a cozy dinner at home or to impress friends during gatherings. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, evoking memories of family and warmth every time I serve it. If you’re looking for a meal that feels like a hug on a plate, you’ve come to the right place.

Ingredients Overview for Ricotta Stuffed Shells

The ingredients for Ricotta Stuffed Shells come together beautifully, creating a symphony of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role in crafting this delightful dish. The star of the show is of course the jumbo pasta shells, which cradle the creamy filling. Ricotta cheese adds a luxurious texture, while the spices elevate the taste. Together, these ingredients create a comforting meal that’s sure to please.

• 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells – These large shells are perfect for stuffing, providing a delightful bite when filled with creamy cheese.
• 2 1/4 cups ricotta cheese – The key ingredient that adds creaminess and richness to the filling.
• 1 large egg – Helps bind the filling together, ensuring it holds its shape as it bakes.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Adds a bright note that balances the richness of the cheese.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt – Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Gives depth and a subtle kick to the cheese mixture.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – Adds a hint of sweetness and complexity.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil – A classic Italian herb that complements the cheese beautifully.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano – Another essential herb that elevates the flavor profile.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Provides a touch of heat and balances the dish.
• 2 1/2 cups marinara sauce – The sauce not only adds flavor but keeps the pasta moist during baking.
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded – The gooey cheese on top that makes this dish irresistible!
• Minced parsley optional garnish – A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.

The Method for Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Making Ricotta Stuffed Shells is a simple process that yields impressive results. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have a delicious dish ready in no time.

1. Start by cooking the pasta shells according to the package directions until they are al dente. It’s important not to overcook them, as they’ll continue to soften in the oven. Once cooked, drain and run them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will also make them easier to handle. Set them aside for now.
2. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven heats up, spray a 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, and black pepper. This mixture will be the filling for your shells. Make sure it’s well combined for the best flavor.
4. Pour and spread 1 ¾ cups of the marinara sauce into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This will create a lovely base for the pasta shells.
5. Now it’s time to fill the shells! Take each cooked pasta shell and carefully spoon in the ricotta mixture. Be generous, but ensure you don’t overstuff them, as they need space to expand while cooking. Place the filled shells evenly throughout the baking pan.
6. Once all the shells are beautifully filled, drizzle the remaining marinara sauce over all of them. This helps keep the shells moist during baking and adds extra flavor.
7. Top off the dish with shredded mozzarella cheese. This will melt and create a delicious cheesy crust that everyone loves.
8. Now, pop the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the sauce is bubbly, and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
9. If you prefer a nice toasty top, switch to broil for an additional 2 minutes. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
10. Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. This makes it easier to serve. Optionally, garnish with minced parsley before serving for a touch of freshness.

Tips and Variations

In cooking, it’s always great to have a few tips up your sleeve. Here are some ideas to enhance your Ricotta Stuffed Shells experience:

• Storage: Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze unbaked Ricotta Stuffed Shells. Just assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
• Pairing: These shells pair beautifully with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Meat addition: For meat lovers, consider adding cooked ground beef or sausage to the ricotta filling for added flavor and protein.
• Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme or parsley for a unique twist on the classic flavor profile.

Side Dish Ideas for Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Serving Ricotta Stuffed Shells opens up a world of delicious pairings. Here are some ideas to create a complete meal:

• Garlic Bread: A classic companion, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the extra marinara sauce on your plate.
• Garden Salad: A bright, fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers add color and nutrition to your meal.
• Steamed Broccoli: The slight bitterness of steamed broccoli complements the creamy filling beautifully.
• Seasonal Pairings: In summer, you might try a caprese salad, while in winter, a warm, hearty soup can be a great addition.
• Occasion Suggestions: These shells are wonderful for cozy family dinners, festive gatherings, or even meal prep for your busy weekdays.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ricotta Stuffed Shells are not just a meal; they are a comforting experience that brings people together. The rich flavors and creamy textures make them an irresistible choice for any occasion. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with loved ones to create wonderful memories around the dinner table. Happy cooking!

Ricotta Stuffed Shells

The ultimate comfort food, Ricotta Stuffed Shells are filled with creamy cheese and herbs, nestled in rich marinara sauce, and topped with gooey mozzarella. This easy weeknight dinner is sure to satisfy your cravings. Make it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Pasta

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan
• Large Pot
• Baking Sheet
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 12 ounces Jumbo pasta shells
• 2 1/4 cups Ricotta cheese
• 1 Large egg
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 1/2 cups Marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups Mozzarella cheese shredded
• Minced parsley optional garnish

Instructions

 

• Cook the pasta shells according to directions until they are al dente. Do not overcook. Run under cold water as soon as they are removed from the boiling water. Set aside for now.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray.
• Mix the ricotta cheese, egg, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, and black pepper in a small bowl.
• Pour and spread 1 ¾ cup of the marinara sauce into the bottom of the dish.
• Fill each pasta shell with the ricotta cheese mixture and place them evenly throughout the baking pan.
• Once all pasta shells are filled and nestled into the sauce, drizzle the remaining marinara over all the shells and top off with mozzarella cheese.
• Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
• Broil for 2 minutes to get your cheese nice and toasty (if you prefer). Serve garnished with minced fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

• Storage: Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze unbaked Ricotta Stuffed Shells. Just assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
• Pairing: These shells pair beautifully with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Meat addition: For meat lovers, consider adding cooked ground beef or sausage to the ricotta filling for added flavor and protein.
• Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme or parsley for a unique twist on the classic flavor profile.

Keyword baked pasta shells, easy pasta dish, Italian Comfort Food, Ricotta Stuffed Shells recipe