Cozy Homemade Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe For Family Dinners

Creamy ricotta stuffed shells dance with rich marinara sauce, creating a symphony of Italian comfort on your plate.

Pasta lovers crave these delectable shells that burst with cheesy goodness.

Baked to golden perfection, each shell carries a luscious blend of ricotta, herbs, and love.

The combination melts together in a bubbling casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Tender pasta pockets cradle a velvety cheese mixture that will transport you straight to a cozy trattoria.

Simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary meal that sparks joy at the dinner table.

You’ll savor every single bite of this classic Italian-inspired dish that turns an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

What Goes Into Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Perfect canvas for creamy filling, choose high-quality pasta with sturdy shells that hold their shape during baking.

• Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy blend creates rich, luxurious texture with balanced tangy and smooth flavor profiles.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and provides silky consistency to the filling.
• Fresh Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and classic Italian flavor punch.
• Fresh Basil, Parsley, Oregano: Vibrant herbs that elevate the filling with bright, garden-fresh notes.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance overall taste complexity.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian tomato sauce that provides moisture and traditional flavor foundation.
• Additional Mozzarella Cheese: Creates golden, irresistible cheesy topping with perfect melting properties.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley (Optional Garnish): Adds beautiful color and fresh herbal finish to the dish.

Must-Have Tools For Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Large Pot: For boiling pasta shells with plenty of water and salt.
• Mixing Bowl: To combine ricotta, cheeses, herbs, and seasoning for the filling.
• Colander: For draining and rinsing cooked pasta shells.
• Baking Sheet: To place cooled pasta shells and prevent sticking.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: For assembling and baking the stuffed shells.
• Aluminum Foil: To cover dish during initial baking.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: For accurate ingredient quantities.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: To mix filling and spread marinara sauce.

Easy Steps To Make Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Pasta Preparation

Boil water in a large pot, creating a salty bath for the jumbo shells. Cook until they reach a tender, perfect texture. Cool them down and spread on an oiled surface to prevent clumping.

• Cheese Mixture Magic

In a spacious bowl, blend creamy ricotta with melty mozzarella, sharp Parmesan, and a cracked egg. Sprinkle in fragrant herbs and a whisper of seasoning, mixing until the blend becomes smooth and inviting.

• Oven Warmup

Crank the oven to a toasty 375 degrees, preparing for the delicious transformation ahead.

• Shell Stuffing

Layer marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish. Lovingly fill each shell with the luscious cheese mixture, nestling them side by side. Drench the shells in remaining sauce, ensuring every morsel gets covered.

• Baking Bliss

Cover with foil and let the shells bake for half an hour. Uncover, shower with additional cheese, and continue baking until the top turns golden and bubbly.

• Serving Moment

Pull from the oven and let the dish rest briefly. Scatter fresh herbs on top if desired. Serve while warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up.

Smart Tips For Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Perfect Pasta Pocket Secrets
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the stuffed shells a day in advance and refrigerate. Simply cover with foil and bake when ready to serve, adding 5-10 extra minutes to cooking time for chilled dish.
• Cheese Swap Solution: Replace ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter, protein-packed alternative that maintains a creamy texture while reducing overall fat content.
• Veggie Boost Technique: Enhance nutritional value by mixing finely chopped spinach or sautéed zucchini into the cheese filling for added vegetables and subtle flavor complexity.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free. Double-check all cheese ingredients to maintain dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

How To Plate Ricotta Stuffed Shells Beautifully

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair the ricotta stuffed shells with a crisp garden salad tossed in light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
• Hearty Protein Companion: Serve alongside grilled chicken breast or baked Italian-seasoned chicken strips to create a more substantial meal that satisfies bigger appetites.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the cheesy, tomato-based dish with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which cuts through the richness and enhances the overall dining experience.
• Bread Basket Bonus: Add warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread on the side to soak up extra marinara sauce and provide a delightful textural element to the meal.

Best Way To Store And Prep Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Quick Chill and Separate: After cooking, spread shells on an oiled baking sheet to prevent clumping and cool faster, ensuring perfect texture for filling.
• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store prepared shells in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping filling and sauce separate to maintain maximum freshness and prevent soggy pasta.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap unbaked stuffed shells tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, which can stay frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking, adding 10-15 minutes to cooking time.
• Portion and Prep Hack: Divide recipe into individual serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners, allowing convenient meal planning and reducing daily cooking stress.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 460 kcal

Servings: 3

Cheesy Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Homemade ricotta stuffed shells combine creamy cheese and hearty marinara for a classic Italian comfort meal. Generous portions promise satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort and maximum flavor impact.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 20 jumbo pasta shells (plus a few extra in case of breakage)
• 15 oz (425 grams) whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 2 cups (200 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups (200 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups (720 milliliters) marinara sauce
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Submerge shells in vigorously salted boiling water, cooking until al dente. Swiftly transfer to ice water to interrupt cooking, then arrange on a lightly oiled baking sheet to prevent sticking.
2. Cheese Mixture Creation: Combine ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan with a whisked egg. Integrate minced garlic, chopped basil, parsley, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper, blending until smooth and uniform.
3. Oven Staging: Calibrate oven to 375F, establishing an ideal baking environment.
4. Assembly and Sauce Layering: Distribute marinara across the baking dish’s base. Meticulously fill each shell with cheese mixture, nestling them into the sauce. Generously drench shells with remaining marinara, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Baking Process: Encase dish with aluminum foil, protecting contents. Bake for 30 minutes, then unveil and crown with additional mozzarella. Continue baking until cheese melts into a golden, bubbling crust.
6. Finishing Touch: Allow dish to rest briefly after removing from oven. Optional herb garnish can elevate the presentation. Serve while cheese remains luxuriously molten.

Notes

• Preserve Pasta Texture: Cook shells al dente to prevent mushiness, ensuring they maintain a slight bite and can hold the ricotta filling without falling apart during baking.
• Prevent Cheese Separation: Whisk egg thoroughly into cheese mixture to create a stable binding agent, preventing liquid from separating and maintaining a creamy, cohesive filling.
• Optimize Flavor Infusion: Let stuffed shells rest 5-10 minutes after baking to allow herbs and cheese flavors to meld and intensify, enhancing overall taste profile.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute ricotta with tofu for dairy-free version, use gluten-free pasta shells, or incorporate spinach/kale into filling for added nutritional value and varied texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg