The Best Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe for Pasta Night Magic

Delightful ricotta stuffed shells promise a comforting Italian-inspired dinner that melts hearts faster than cheese.

Pasta shells create perfect pockets for creamy fillings bursting with flavor.

Soft ricotta blends seamlessly with herbs and spices, creating a dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Comfort meets elegance in this straightforward recipe that anyone can master.

Weeknight dinners transform into special occasions with these delectable shells.

Cheesy, satisfying, and surprisingly simple, you’ll want to add this recipe to your regular rotation.

Prepare to impress everyone around the table with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Ricotta Stuffed Shells Highlights

• Savor Quick Flavor Explosion: This beef teriyaki delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal kitchen effort, transforming simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that impresses everyone at the dinner table.
• Master Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe adapts beautifully to different serving styles – pair with rice, noodles, or vegetables for a customizable dining experience that keeps meals exciting.
• Customize with Ease: Home cooks can adjust spice levels, swap beef for chicken or tofu, and play with additional garnishes, making this recipe a flexible canvas for personal culinary creativity and dietary preferences.
• Impress Without Stress: Restaurant-style results come together faster than ordering takeout, allowing home chefs to create a delicious, professional-looking dish without complex cooking techniques or extensive preparation.

Ingredients For Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells that create perfect pockets for holding the rich ricotta filling.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy Italian cheese that provides a smooth and soft base for the stuffing.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a classic stretchy texture to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a sharp, salty flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture and provides structure to the filling.

• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor to the cheese mixture.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings traditional Mediterranean taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that balance and enhance the other flavors.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb used for garnishing and adding a fresh finish to the dish.

Preparation Guide For Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pasta

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). Grab your jumbo pasta shells and cook them in boiling water until they’re perfectly tender.

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

Step 2: Create Creamy Cheese Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Set Up Baking Dish

Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish. This will prevent the shells from sticking and add extra flavor.

Step 4: Stuff and Arrange Shells

Carefully fill each pasta shell with the rich cheese mixture. Nestle the stuffed shells into the marinara-coated baking dish, creating neat rows.

Step 5: Add Final Touches

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the top with additional mozzarella cheese for a golden, melty finish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes.

Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Serve these mouthwatering shells hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Cooking Tips For Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Choose jumbo shells that are intact and without cracks to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
• Use fresh ricotta cheese for the creamiest and most authentic texture in the filling.
• Drain ricotta thoroughly by placing it in a cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer to remove excess moisture and prevent watery shells.
• For a lighter version, substitute half the ricotta with cottage cheese or use part-skim mozzarella to reduce calories.
• Add extra flavor by mixing in fresh chopped basil, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes into the ricotta mixture for a personalized touch.

Flavor Alternatives For Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Spinach Power Shells: Add chopped spinach to ricotta mixture for extra nutrition and vibrant green color.
• Mediterranean Magic: Mix feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes into ricotta for a tangy Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Protein Packed Shells: Incorporate cooked ground turkey or chicken into ricotta mixture for a heartier meal.
• Veggie Lover's Version: Blend roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms with ricotta for a vegetable-rich alternative.

Suggested Sides For Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Rustic Italian Family Feast: Serve these ricotta stuffed shells as a hearty centerpiece for weekend dinners, gathering loved ones around the table with warm, comforting flavors.
• Elegant Dinner Party Delight: Plate individual shells on white dishes with a sprinkle of fresh basil, creating an impressive presentation that looks professionally prepared.
• Cozy Weeknight Meal Companion: Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread, transforming this simple pasta dish into a complete, satisfying meal that feels like a restaurant experience at home.
• Potluck Crowd-Pleaser: Transport in a covered dish, keeping shells warm and saucy, perfect for sharing at community gatherings where everyone craves a taste of homemade comfort.

Proper Storage For Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Store leftover ricotta stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire dish in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm shells in the oven at 350F (175C) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Prepare the dish in advance and store unbaked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the shells from tearing when stuffing them?

Carefully handle the shells and use a small spoon to gently fill each shell with the ricotta mixture. Cooled shells are easier to manage, so let them cool slightly after cooking.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian. The protein comes from ricotta and cheeses, making it a perfect meatless meal option.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

You can substitute with a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. If you only have one or two of these herbs, that works too.

• How can I tell if the shells are properly stuffed?

Fill each shell about 34 full, ensuring the ricotta mixture is evenly distributed without overstuffing, which could cause splitting during baking.

Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy ricotta stuffed shells showcase Italian comfort cuisine at its finest. Cheesy pasta pockets promise a delightful meal that satisfies you completely.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups (480 ml) marinara sauce
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until tender. Drain thoroughly and let cool slightly.
2. Combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until well-blended.
3. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking.
4. Carefully fill each pasta shell with the prepared cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
5. Arrange stuffed shells neatly in the prepared baking dish, creating uniform rows.
6. Generously pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese across the top of the shells for extra richness.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture and prevent excessive browning.
9. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until cheese becomes golden and bubbly.
10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Ensure pasta shells are cooked al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
• Mix cheese filling thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly and create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Use room temperature ingredients for better blending and more consistent filling consistency.
• For a lighter version, swap full-fat ricotta with part-skim ricotta and reduce mozzarella quantity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 415 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg