Description
These Ricotta Stuffed Shells are the perfect combination of cheesy, comforting, and flavorful. Filled with a creamy ricotta and mozzarella mixture, then topped with marinara sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan, they make for a deliciously satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and loved by all.
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 the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions, drain, and set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine the marinara sauce, dried basil, and oregano. Set aside.
- Spoon the ricotta filling into each cooked shell, being careful not to overfill.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish, placing them seam-side down.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well-covered.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Optional: Top with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
- For a meatier version, you can add cooked ground beef or sausage to the ricotta filling.
- This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Italian
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American