The Best Easy Ricotta Stuffed Shells

If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor, these Ricotta Stuffed Shells are a perfect choice. With creamy ricotta cheese, melted mozzarella, and a delicious marinara sauce, this dish combines all the best elements of Italian comfort food into one satisfying, hearty recipe. The jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with a rich ricotta mixture, then baked in marinara sauce and topped with extra cheese for a gooey, cheesy finish. Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting a dinner party, or preparing a meal for yourself, these stuffed shells are sure to be a hit.

This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also highly customizable. You can adjust the amount of cheese, spices, or even add extra vegetables or meat to suit your taste. The rich ricotta filling is both creamy and savory, making each bite a satisfying combination of textures and flavors. And with the convenience of marinara sauce, it’s a dish that comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you’re craving a comforting meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are many reasons why these Ricotta Stuffed Shells will quickly become a favorite in your household. First, the rich, cheesy filling is absolutely delicious and perfectly balanced with the tangy marinara sauce. Second, the dish is easy to prepare, with minimal ingredients, yet it feels indulgent and satisfying. The pasta shells are easy to stuff, and the baking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. This dish is great for meal prep, too, as it stores well and can be made ahead of time. Whether you’re a fan of classic Italian flavors or simply love a good pasta dish, these stuffed shells are sure to please.

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Ingredients

For the Filling:

• Jumbo pasta shells
• Ricotta cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Large egg
• Fresh parsley (chopped)
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

For the Sauce:

• Marinara sauce
• Dried basil
• Dried oregano

Optional Toppings:

• Additional Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves

Variations

1. Meat Filling: For a heartier version, add cooked ground beef or sausage to the ricotta filling. This is a great way to add protein and flavor to the dish.
2. Vegetarian Version: If you’d like a veggie-packed version, try adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the ricotta mixture for added texture and flavor.
3. Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or mix them into the ricotta filling for a spicy twist on the classic recipe.
4. Cheese Variations: Feel free to swap out some of the mozzarella cheese for other cheeses like provolone or fontina for a different flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions, making sure they are al dente. Once cooked, drain and set them aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, chopped parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Stuff the Shells

Once the pasta shells are cool enough to handle, stuff each shell with the ricotta mixture. Be generous with the filling, but make sure the shells are not overstuffed to prevent spilling during baking.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix the marinara sauce with the dried basil and oregano. Pour about half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish, open side up, and then pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the shells.

Step 6: Bake the Stuffed Shells

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the stuffed shells are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and a beautiful presentation.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Preventing the Shells from Sticking: To prevent the shells from sticking together during cooking, make sure to stir them gently when cooking and drizzle with a little olive oil after draining.
2. Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from the fridge.
3. Frozen Option: You can freeze the stuffed shells after assembling them but before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Bake directly from the freezer, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
4. Adding Extra Flavor: For extra depth of flavor, sauté some garlic in olive oil before adding the marinara sauce, or sprinkle some Italian seasoning on top of the cheese before baking.
5. Check for Doneness: Ensure that the ricotta filling is fully heated through by testing the temperature with a food thermometer, which should read 165°F (74°C) at the center.

How to Serve

These ricotta stuffed shells are perfect as a main dish, but they also pair beautifully with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. A drizzle of extra marinara sauce or a sprinkle of fresh basil can add even more flavor. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Freezing

As mentioned, stuffed shells can be frozen before baking. Simply assemble the shells, cover them tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed, adding extra time if necessary.

Reheating

If you’ve frozen the shells, bake them straight from the freezer for an extra 10-15 minutes, or until they are piping hot. For leftovers, reheating in the oven will help preserve the texture of the shells and cheese.

FAQs

1. Can I use ricotta cheese substitute?

Yes, you can substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese or cream cheese, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different.

2. Can I add meat to the filling?

Absolutely! Ground beef, sausage, or even pepperoni can be mixed into the ricotta filling for a meatier version.

3. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, store-bought marinara sauce is perfectly fine for this recipe. Just look for a high-quality brand or make your own if you prefer.

4. Can I freeze these stuffed shells?

Yes, you can freeze them either before or after baking. Just make sure to tightly wrap them for long-term storage.

5. Can I make these stuffed shells vegetarian?

Yes! These stuffed shells are already vegetarian, but you can easily add more vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms to the filling.

6. Can I use regular pasta instead of jumbo shells?

While the jumbo shells are ideal for stuffing, you can also use manicotti or another large pasta for a similar effect.

7. How do I prevent the pasta from breaking when stuffing?

Be gentle when filling the shells, and make sure the shells are fully cooled and not too hot when stuffing.

8. Can I add spinach to the ricotta mixture?

Yes, adding spinach to the ricotta filling is a great way to increase the dish’s nutritional value and add more flavor.

9. How long do these stuffed shells last in the fridge?

They will last for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

10. Can I make the sauce from scratch?

Absolutely! Homemade marinara sauce can elevate this dish even more, and there are plenty of recipes online for simple, fresh marinara.

Conclusion

The Best Easy Ricotta Stuffed Shells offer a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With a rich and cheesy filling, tangy marinara sauce, and simple ingredients, this recipe is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or serving guests, these stuffed shells are sure to impress. Make them ahead, freeze them, or adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, and you’ll have a dish everyone will love!

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