The Best Easy Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s quick to prepare yet feels like a special treat, look no further than these Easy Ricotta Stuffed Shells. Jumbo pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta cheese and gooey melted mozzarella, topped with rich marinara sauce and Parmesan, make for an irresistible dish. This recipe combines the warmth and flavor of a classic Italian dish with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or a special occasion, these stuffed shells are sure to be a hit at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of common ingredients to make this dish, which keeps it both affordable and accessible.
2. Quick and Easy: It takes just 30 minutes of prep time and about 30 minutes to bake, making it a quick option for a busy day.
3. Cheese Lovers’ Dream: The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a rich, creamy filling that’s sure to satisfy.
4. Perfect for Meal Prep: These stuffed shells reheat well, making them great for leftovers or preparing in advance.
5. Customizable: You can easily add extra veggies, meat, or swap the sauce for your favorite version to suit your taste.

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

Feel free to adjust this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:

• Vegetarian Option: Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the ricotta filling for extra flavor and texture.
• Meat Lover’s: Incorporate cooked ground beef, sausage, or turkey into the ricotta filling for a heartier dish.
• Spicy: For some heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the sauce or add chopped jalapeños to the ricotta filling.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the ricotta with a dairy-free alternative and use dairy-free cheese to make it vegan-friendly.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (slightly firm). Drain and set aside to cool slightly. Be sure to toss the shells gently to prevent them from sticking together.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, fresh parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the marinara sauce with dried basil and oregano. Stir to combine and let simmer for about 5 minutes. This will infuse the sauce with additional flavors.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Take each pasta shell and carefully stuff it with the ricotta cheese mixture. Place the filled shells in a large baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Once all the shells are stuffed, pour the prepared marinara sauce over the top of the shells, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the shells.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is hot.

Step 7: Serve

Remove from the oven and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: When boiling the shells, be sure to cook them al dente so they don’t become too soft and break while stuffing.
• Make It Ahead: You can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. When ready, simply bake as instructed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes if baking from the fridge.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a burst of flavor to the filling, but you can also try adding fresh basil or oregano for a more vibrant taste.
• Skip the Foil for a Crispier Top: If you like a crispy cheese topping, remove the foil after the first 25 minutes of baking.

How to Serve

These Easy Ricotta Stuffed Shells are delicious on their own, but they’re also great served with:

• A side salad of mixed greens or Caesar salad for a fresh contrast.
• Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for a comforting touch.
• Roasted vegetables, such as zucchini or broccoli, for a balanced meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Freezing

To freeze, assemble the stuffed shells but do not bake them. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual, adding extra time to ensure the shells are fully heated.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for a quicker option.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular pasta instead of jumbo shells?
   Yes, you can use any large pasta shape, like manicotti, if you can’t find jumbo shells.
2. Can I use homemade marinara sauce instead of store-bought?
   Absolutely! Homemade marinara will give this dish an even more personalized flavor.
3. Can I add meat to the filling?
   Yes, ground beef, sausage, or turkey can be added to the ricotta filling for extra protein.
4. Can I make these shells vegetarian?
   Yes! You can add spinach, mushrooms, or even roasted eggplant to the ricotta filling for a vegetarian option.
5. Can I freeze stuffed shells?
   Yes, you can assemble and freeze the shells before baking. Simply bake them once thawed or from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
6. How can I make this dish spicier?
   Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper to the ricotta filling.
7. Can I use low-fat ricotta or mozzarella?
   Yes, you can use reduced-fat cheeses, though the texture and flavor may be slightly different.
8. What’s the best way to reheat leftover stuffed shells?
   Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best results, or use the microwave for faster reheating.
9. Can I add other herbs to the sauce?
   Yes, fresh basil, thyme, or oregano would work wonderfully in the sauce.
10. How long can I store leftovers?
    Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Conclusion

These Easy Ricotta Stuffed Shells are a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With its creamy ricotta filling, rich marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser everyone will love. Whether you’re making it ahead for a busy week or serving it fresh from the oven, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Enjoy the cheesy goodness in every bite!

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