Description
These Easy Ricotta Stuffed Shells are filled with a creamy ricotta and mozzarella mixture, baked in a flavorful marinara sauce, and topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs. This comforting, family-friendly dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Filling:
- 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
Optional Toppings:
- Additional Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- 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 instructions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the marinara sauce, dried basil, and oregano. Spread 1 cup of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta mixture and arrange them in the baking dish, seam side up.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
- For an extra cheesy version, add more mozzarella cheese on top before baking.
- You can make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from the fridge.
- Add some ground meat or sautéed spinach to the ricotta mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian