Imagine this: a plate of ricotta stuffed shells fresh from the oven, lovingly cradled in a rich marinara sauce. As you cut through the tender pasta, melted mozzarella oozes out, creating a cheese pull that could inspire envy in even the most seasoned Instagram foodies. The aroma wafts through your kitchen like a warm hug on a chilly day, inviting everyone to gather around the table.
This dish has been my go-to for cozy family dinners, and I can’t help but reminisce about the time my cousin mistook them for oversized dumplings. Let’s just say there was much laughter—and a little bit of sauce splatter—before he figured it out. Whether it’s a Sunday feast or a casual weeknight dinner, these ricotta stuffed shells are sure to bring smiles and satisfied bellies.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These ricotta stuffed shells are not only easy to prepare; they serve up an explosion of flavor that everyone will adore
- The vibrant colors make for an eye-catching presentation that’ll impress guests and family alike
- You can easily customize the filling based on what you have in your pantry
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers all week long!
Sharing this dish always brings back memories of my niece’s delighted giggles when she first tried it. Watching her devour those cheesy delights was priceless.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Jumbo Pasta Shells: Look for large shells; their size is perfect for holding generous amounts of filling.
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Ricotta Cheese: Use fresh ricotta for the best flavor; it adds creaminess to each bite.
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Shredded Mozzarella: Choose whole-milk mozzarella for gooey goodness that melts beautifully.
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Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds that nutty flavor that perfectly complements the other cheeses.
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Fresh Spinach: Incorporate spinach for added nutrition and vibrant color; it wilts beautifully into the filling.
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Marinara Sauce: Choose a quality store-bought sauce or whip up your own for extra flavor.
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Garlic Powder and Italian Seasoning: These spices elevate the flavor profile without overwhelming the dish.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors throughout your dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep the Oven and Pasta Shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while boiling salted water in a large pot. Cook jumbo pasta shells until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
Create the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, chopped spinach, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well-blended. The mixture should be creamy with bits of green peeking through.
Stuff the Shells: Using a spoon or piping bag, generously fill each cooked shell with the ricotta mixture. Don’t be shy; these beauties deserve to be packed full!
Add Sauce and Bake: Spread half of your marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. Arrange filled shells on top and cover with remaining sauce before sprinkling extra mozzarella on top.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Cover with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Enjoy these delightful ricotta stuffed shells hot from the oven! Your taste buds will thank you as they dive into this cheesy paradise.
You Must Know
- Ricotta stuffed shells are a cozy dish that combines creamy cheese and pasta in a warm embrace
- Use fresh herbs for a fragrant touch
- This dish is perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weekday meal, leaving everyone asking for seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the pasta shells until al dente, then prepare the ricotta filling while the sauce simmers. Layer everything in a baking dish, and let it bake until bubbly and golden on top.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ricotta for cottage cheese or mix in spinach for added nutrition. Experiment with different herbs like basil or oregano to personalize your flavor profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through, ensuring that every bite remains delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
Creating my first batch of ricotta stuffed shells was a messy adventure—flour everywhere, cheese sticking to my fingers—but the joy on my family’s faces made it all worthwhile.
FAQ
Can I use different types of cheese for stuffed shells?
Absolutely! Mix ricotta with mozzarella or parmesan for extra creaminess and flavor.
How do I prevent my pasta shells from sticking?
Toss cooked shells lightly in olive oil before filling them to keep them from sticking together.
What can I serve with ricotta stuffed shells?
A simple side salad or garlic bread pairs beautifully with these cheesy delights.
Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Savor the delightful combination of creamy ricotta cheese and tender jumbo pasta shells, all enveloped in a rich marinara sauce. These ricotta stuffed shells are not just a meal; they’re an experience that brings families together around the dinner table. Perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests, this dish is easily customizable to suit your taste. Enjoy the cheesy goodness and watch smiles bloom with each bite!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and boil salted water in a large pot. Cook jumbo pasta shells until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped spinach, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Generously fill each cooked shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
- Spread half of your marinara sauce in a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells on top and cover with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle extra mozzarella on top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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