The Best Easy Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Ricotta stuffed shells are a classic, comforting dish that’s always a hit with both kids and adults. This easy-to-make recipe takes jumbo pasta shells and fills them with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, topped with savory marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. The combination of flavors in these stuffed shells is simply irresistible, and the best part is that they come together quickly for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re making this dish for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or meal prepping for the week, these ricotta stuffed shells are sure to become a family favorite. The rich cheese filling and flavorful sauce make for a perfect pairing that’s sure to leave everyone coming back for seconds. With a simple list of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delicious and hearty meal that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients

The recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients that you likely already have at home, making it both budget-friendly and convenient.

2. Comforting and Satisfying

Stuffed shells are a cozy, hearty meal that fills you up and keeps you satisfied, making it perfect for any occasion.

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3. Quick and Easy

This recipe is straightforward and comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of work.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep

These stuffed shells can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer for later use. They’re also easy to reheat, making them great for meal prepping.

5. Customizable

You can modify the filling by adding ingredients like spinach, ground meat, or even other types of cheese. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your taste preferences.

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

• Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, simply stick to the ricotta and mozzarella filling. You can also add some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra flavor.
• Meat Lover’s: Add cooked ground beef, turkey, or sausage to the ricotta filling for a heartier version.
• Spicy: For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the marinara sauce.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells to make the dish gluten-free.
• Cheese Variations: Swap the mozzarella for provolone, or add some goat cheese or mascarpone for a richer filling.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions, typically for about 8-10 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, 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, carefully stuff each shell with the ricotta filling, ensuring each one is generously filled.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In a medium saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. Stir in the dried basil and oregano. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish in a single layer. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are evenly covered.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the stuffed shells. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the shells are heated through.

Step 7: Serve

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the cheese to brown slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Be careful not to overcook the pasta shells, as they can become too soft and tear when stuffing them. Cook them al dente to prevent this.
• For an extra cheesy version, feel free to add more mozzarella to the filling or on top of the shells.
• If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley can be used, but fresh herbs will add a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
• For a faster option, you can use store-bought marinara sauce or a homemade sauce you have on hand.
• If you’re preparing this dish ahead of time, you can assemble the shells and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.

How to Serve

These ricotta stuffed shells are best served with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. You can also pair them with a light vegetable side, such as roasted broccoli or a simple tomato salad. For an extra indulgence, serve them with a drizzle of extra marinara sauce on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover ricotta stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for a quicker option.

Freezing

To freeze, assemble the stuffed shells in the baking dish, cover with foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, remove from the freezer, thaw overnight in the fridge, and bake as usual.

Reheating

Reheat the stuffed shells in the oven to maintain their texture. If you’re reheating from the fridge, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone, ricotta with cottage cheese, or add other cheeses like Gouda or Parmesan.

2. Can I make stuffed shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

3. Can I freeze stuffed shells?

Yes, stuffed shells freeze well. Simply assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

4. How long do leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

5. Can I add meat to the filling?

Yes, ground beef, turkey, or sausage can be added to the filling for a heartier dish.

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

While jumbo shells are ideal for stuffing, you can use regular pasta shapes like rigatoni, though they won’t hold as much filling.

7. Can I use homemade marinara sauce?

Yes, homemade marinara sauce works wonderfully in this recipe and adds an extra layer of flavor.

8. How do I prevent the shells from sticking together?

Be sure to cook the pasta shells in plenty of salted water and toss them gently with a little olive oil after draining to prevent sticking.

9. How do I make the dish spicier?

Add some red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle some spicy sausage into the ricotta filling for added heat.

10. Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Yes, you can add spinach, mushrooms, or even roasted vegetables to the ricotta filling for more flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

These easy ricotta stuffed shells are a perfect combination of creamy cheese, savory sauce, and tender pasta. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both comforting and impressive. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or preparing it for a special occasion, these stuffed shells are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try this recipe today for a delicious, satisfying meal that’s full of flavor and guaranteed to be enjoyed by everyone!

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