Cozy Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe: Baked Italian Comfort Joy

Warm Italian cuisine meets comfort in these delectable ricotta stuffed shells that dance with flavor.

Pasta shells create perfect pockets for creamy, rich filling.

Fragrant herbs and melted cheese promise a delightful dining experience.

Homemade goodness beckons you to step into a world of culinary creativity.

Cheesy, tender shells burst with traditional Mediterranean ingredients that feel like a loving embrace.

Weeknight dinners or special gatherings deserve this crowd-pleasing classic that brings everyone together.

Let’s unwrap the magic of this irresistible pasta dish that will make you the kitchen hero.

Ricotta Stuffed Shells: Creamy Goodness You Can’t Pass Up

• Quick Family Feast: Perfect weeknight dinner that comes together effortlessly for busy households.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Requires just 15 minutes of active cooking time, making it a stress-free meal solution for home cooks.
• Comfort Food Champion: Delivers classic Italian-style flavors with rich, creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella that kids and adults will absolutely love.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable for vegetarian diets and can be prepared ahead of time, ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or make-ahead meal planning.

Ricotta Stuffed Shells Cooking Guide

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large shells perfect for holding creamy ricotta filling, choose high-quality pasta for best texture and shape.

• Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy base with rich, melty texture that creates a luxurious and flavorful stuffing, select fresh and high-quality cheeses for best taste.
• Egg: Binds the cheese mixture together and helps maintain the filling's structure.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, fresh herb flavor and green color to the dish.
• Garlic Powder: Provides subtle, aromatic garlic undertones throughout the filling.
• Italian Seasoning: Delivers classic Mediterranean herb blend for authentic Italian taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing overall flavor profile.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that complements the cheese shells, choose a smooth, well-seasoned sauce.

Instructions for Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 375°F.

This toasty temperature will help create a perfectly golden and bubbling dish.

Step 2: Prepare Pasta Shells

Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions.

Once cooked, carefully drain the shells and set them aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix Creamy Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together until well blended, creating a rich and flavorful filling.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Gently spoon the creamy ricotta mixture into each cooked pasta shell.

Take your time to fill them evenly and generously.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Dish

Spread a layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish.

Carefully arrange the stuffed shells on top of the sauce.

Step 6: Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top for extra gooey goodness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the shells piping hot.

Watch as your family and friends devour this comforting Italian-inspired meal.

Stuffed Shells With Ricotta That Don’t Overflow – Tips Inside

• Boil pasta shells just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking, ensuring a perfect texture.
• Drain ricotta cheese in a cheesecloth or paper towel to remove excess liquid, preventing watery filling and maintaining a creamy consistency.
• Experiment with additional herbs like basil or swap part of the ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter, protein-rich variation.
• Assemble the dish a day in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making meal prep easier for busy nights.
• Prepare an extra batch and freeze unbaked shells for up to 3 months, providing a convenient make-ahead meal option for quick dinners.

Reheat Stuffed Shells And Store Properly

• Store leftover shells in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual portions or entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove from refrigerator, place in baking dish, cover with foil. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add extra cheese if desired.
• Place shells on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Check temperature to ensure even warming. Add splash of marinara sauce to prevent drying out.

Favorites with Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Pair Perfectly with Bold Red Wines: Choose robust Italian reds like Chianti or Sangiovese that complement the rich, cheesy shells and cut through the creamy ricotta filling.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Toss a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy pasta dish, adding brightness and lightness to the meal.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, herb-infused garlic bread to soak up extra marinara sauce and provide a crunchy texture contrast to the soft stuffed shells.
• Enhance with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare a side of roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant to add color, nutrition, and depth to the dinner plate.

Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Fresh Herb Filling Options

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace jumbo pasta shells with gluten-free pasta shells or zucchini boats. Use certified gluten-free marinara sauce and check all ingredients for gluten-free status.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute ricotta with tofu ricotta by blending firm tofu, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and herbs. Use vegan mozzarella and plant-based egg replacer.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta shells with roasted bell pepper halves or blanched cabbage leaves. Use reduced-fat cheeses and add extra herbs for flavor complexity.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Incorporate ground turkey or lean ground chicken into the ricotta mixture. Add spinach or kale for extra nutrients and depth of flavor.

FAQs

• Are jumbo shells necessary for this recipe?

Yes, jumbo pasta shells are essential because they provide the perfect pocket to hold the creamy ricotta mixture, ensuring each bite is filled with delicious cheese filling.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

While the recipe calls for ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, you can substitute similar soft cheeses like cottage cheese or swap some mozzarella for provolone to create your unique flavor profile.

• How do I prevent shells from tearing when stuffing?

Cook shells just until al dente and handle gently. Drain and let cool slightly before filling to make them more pliable and less likely to break during the stuffing process.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this ricotta stuffed shells recipe is completely vegetarian-friendly, making it a perfect main dish for those who do not eat meat while still providing a protein-rich and satisfying meal.

Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comforting ricotta stuffed shells bring Italian culinary magic straight to dinner tables with rich cheese and herb-infused goodness. Pasta lovers will adore these pillowy shells packed with creamy filling that promise pure deliciousness in every delightful bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) marinara sauce

Cheese Blend:

• 1 cup (240 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Binding:

• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing a comfortable cooking environment for the delectable shells.
2. Gently immerse jumbo pasta shells in boiling water, cooking until tender and pliable. Carefully drain and arrange shells on a clean surface.
3. Create a creamy filling by blending ricotta cheese with mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-incorporated.
4. Generously stuff each cooked shell with the rich cheese mixture, ensuring each pocket is filled completely and evenly.
5. Prepare the baking dish by spreading a generous layer of marinara sauce across the bottom, creating a flavorful foundation for the shells.
6. Arrange the stuffed shells carefully over the sauce, nestling them close together in an organized pattern.
7. Cascade the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, coating them thoroughly. Sprinkle the additional mozzarella cheese across the top, creating a beautiful cheesy blanket.
8. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to begin melting.
9. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and the edges become slightly crispy.
10. Finish by scattering fresh parsley across the top, adding a vibrant touch of color and fresh herb flavor. Serve immediately while warm and bubbling.

Notes

• Achieve perfectly cooked shells by slightly undercooking them during initial boiling, allowing them to finish cooking in the oven and prevent mushiness.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute jumbo shells with gluten-free pasta shells or use zucchini boats as a low-carb alternative.
• Enhance flavor by adding fresh basil or roasted garlic to the ricotta mixture for deeper, more complex taste profiles.
• Prep shells ahead of time and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg