Irresistible Stuffed Shells Ricotta Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

The moment you take a bite of stuffed shells ricotta, you’re enveloped in a warm, cheesy embrace that simply screams comfort. Picture this: tender pasta shells cradling a luscious, creamy ricotta filling, all smothered in marinara sauce that dances on your taste buds like a lively Italian opera. Trust me, every forkful is a delightful adventure waiting to unfold.

Now, let’s reminisce. I vividly remember the first time I made stuffed shells ricotta for my friends’ potluck dinner. Their eyes lit up like Christmas lights when they tasted it, and I felt like a culinary rockstar. From that moment on, this dish became my go-to for gatherings—an instant crowd-pleaser that always earns rave reviews and happy bellies.

I once made this dish for a family reunion, and the praise was so overwhelming that I almost felt like I should start charging for admission.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Large Pasta Shells: Select sturdy shells that can hold generous amounts of filling without breaking apart.

• Ricotta Cheese: Look for fresh ricotta; it adds creaminess and flavor that’s hard to resist.

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Use whole milk mozzarella for a gooey texture that melts beautifully.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan elevates the flavor profile; avoid pre-grated versions if possible.

• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade sauce; both work wonders in this recipe.

• Fresh Basil: Add fresh basil leaves to enhance the dish’s aroma and flavor; they brighten each bite.

• Egg: One egg helps bind the cheese mixture together and adds richness to the filling.

• Garlic Powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder brings in an extra layer of flavor without overpowering the dish.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors harmoniously.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Ready to whip up some delicious stuffed shells ricotta? Let’s dive right into the cooking process!

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking while you prepare the stuffing and sauce.

Cook Pasta Shells: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta shells until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain them carefully so they don’t tear apart.

Create The Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, grated parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well blended and creamy.

Stuff The Shells: Carefully stuff each cooked shell with about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture. Don’t be shy—pack it in generously!

Add Marinara Sauce & Bake: Spread half of the marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange stuffed shells on top and pour remaining sauce over them. Sprinkle with leftover mozzarella cheese.

Bake & Serve**: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Garnish with fresh basil before serving!

Each step brings you closer to that glorious moment when you finally dig into your creation—just be prepared for everyone to ask for seconds!

And there you have it—a delightful stuffed shells ricotta recipe that’s sure to become a favorite among family and friends alike. Enjoy every cheesy bite!

You Must Know

• Stuffed shells ricotta are a delightful blend of creamy cheese and savory sauce
• This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in
• The aroma wafting through your kitchen will make everyone eager for dinner
• Don’t be surprised if you find yourself going back for seconds!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the pasta shells until al dente, then prepare your filling while they cool. Assemble the dish with layers of sauce and stuffed shells, finishing it off with cheese before baking to golden perfection.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding spinach, mushrooms, or different types of cheeses into the ricotta filling for a unique twist. You can also substitute marinara with pesto for a fresh flavor upgrade that will surprise your guests.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, ensuring it warms evenly without drying out.

Chef's Helpful Tips

• For perfect stuffed shells ricotta, ensure your pasta is cooked al dente to prevent sogginess
• Use fresh herbs for added flavor, and don’t skimp on sauce when layering; it keeps everything moist and delicious

Sharing this delightful dish at a family gathering turned into an unforgettable night filled with laughter and second helpings from everyone around the table.

FAQ

Can I use other fillings besides ricotta?

Absolutely! Try mixing in ground meat or sautéed vegetables for variety.

How long do stuffed shells take to bake?

Bake them at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Can I freeze stuffed shells ricotta?

Yes, freeze them before baking; just add extra time when cooking from frozen.

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Delicious Stuffed Shells Ricotta Recipe

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• Author: Mark Taylor
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in the comforting goodness of stuffed shells ricotta, where tender pasta shells are filled with a creamy ricotta mixture and topped with savory marinara sauce. This irresistible dish is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. With rich flavors and a cheesy texture, every bite promises satisfaction, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 large pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese (divided)
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta shells in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Stuff each shell generously with the cheese mixture.
5. Spread half of the marinara sauce in a baking dish. Arrange stuffed shells on top and cover with remaining sauce and mozzarella.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; then remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
7. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 stuffed shells (approximately 400g)
• Calories: 530
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 51g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in cooked spinach or sautéed mushrooms into the ricotta filling. Substitute marinara sauce with pesto for a fresh twist.