The Best Easy Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Ricotta stuffed shells are a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering. With jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy and cheesy ricotta mixture, this dish is guaranteed to please any pasta lover. Topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, it’s a dish that delivers rich flavors and a hearty texture with each bite. The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses provides the ideal balance of creaminess and savory goodness, while the seasonings like garlic powder and fresh parsley add just the right amount of flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a comforting meal, this recipe is easy to make, hearty, and packed with flavors that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients

The recipe uses just a few easy-to-find ingredients, making it budget-friendly and convenient without compromising on flavor.

2. Perfect for Meal Prep

Stuffed shells can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer, making them a great option for meal prep or a make-ahead dinner.

3. Kid-Friendly

The cheesy filling and flavorful marinara sauce are sure to be a hit with kids, making it an easy dish to serve for family meals.

4. Customizable

This recipe is easy to adjust—whether you want to add some ground meat to the filling or swap marinara for a different type of sauce, you can make it your own.

5. Great for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a casual dinner, a holiday gathering, or a potluck, these ricotta stuffed shells are sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for more.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• Jumbo pasta shells
• Ricotta cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 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

• Meat Option: Add ground beef or sausage to the ricotta mixture for a heartier filling. Brown the meat before mixing it into the ricotta.
• Vegetarian Option: For a veggie-packed version, add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the ricotta filling.
• Cheese Variation: You can add a bit of provolone, cheddar, or gouda cheese for a twist on the classic ricotta and mozzarella combination.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a little heat and kick.

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. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions, usually for about 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, fresh parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Stuff the Shells

Once the pasta shells have cooled slightly, carefully stuff each shell with the ricotta filling, making sure to pack it in generously.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In a saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. Stir in the dried basil and oregano, then simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the stuffed shells in a single layer on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, ensuring they are covered. Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve

Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Prevent Sticking: Make sure to stir the pasta shells occasionally while cooking to prevent them from sticking together.
• Extra Cheese: For an even cheesier dish, you can top the shells with additional mozzarella or a mix of Italian cheeses before baking.
• Make Ahead: Stuff the shells and store them in the baking dish, covered with foil, in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. This makes it easy to prepare ahead of time.
• Freezing: Stuffed shells can be frozen before baking. Simply cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 40-45 minutes.

How to Serve

These ricotta stuffed shells are delicious on their own but can be served alongside a simple salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A drizzle of extra marinara sauce on the side or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds extra flavor to the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Freezing

You can freeze the stuffed shells either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the shells and cover them tightly with foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply add 10-15 minutes to the baking time, and bake at 375°F.

Reheating

To reheat baked stuffed shells, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the dish is hot. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use gluten-free pasta for stuffed shells?

Yes! You can use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells for this recipe. Just ensure you cook them according to the package instructions.

2. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Absolutely! You can use your favorite store-bought marinara sauce to save time, or you can make your own homemade sauce.

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

Allow the pasta shells to cool slightly before stuffing them to avoid cracking. Be gentle when filling the shells.

4. Can I make these stuffed shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells the day before, then cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.

5. Can I add meat to the filling?

Yes, ground beef, sausage, or even chicken can be added to the ricotta filling. Just cook the meat before mixing it into the ricotta.

6. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like provolone, gouda, or cheddar in place of the mozzarella or Parmesan for a unique twist.

7. How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle some over the stuffed shells for extra heat.

8. Can I make this recipe without eggs?

Yes, you can omit the egg or substitute it with a flax egg or an egg replacer for a vegetarian or vegan version.

9. Can I freeze stuffed shells before baking?

Yes! You can assemble the shells and freeze them for later. Just bake them from frozen and add extra time to the baking process.

10. How do I know when the stuffed shells are done baking?

The shells are done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is bubbling around the edges of the dish.

Conclusion

These ricotta stuffed shells are a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful dish that everyone will love. With simple ingredients, an easy-to-follow process, and plenty of room for customization, they’re a perfect option for busy weeknights or special occasions. Whether you’re serving them to a crowd or making a smaller batch for the family, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your meal rotation!

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