Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

There's nothing like a dish of ricotta stuffed shells to bring comfort and joy to your dinner table. The combination of creamy ricotta, tender pasta, and a savory marinara sauce creates a meal that's equal parts indulgent and satisfying. Whether you're serving it to guests or enjoying it on a quiet family night, this dish has a way of making any occasion feel special.

I discovered this recipe years ago when searching for a vegetarian option that felt hearty and festive. It quickly became a favorite, loved for its simplicity and ability to please even the pickiest eaters. Let’s dive in to see why this ricotta stuffed shells recipe is destined to become your go-to!

Why You’ll Love These Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Get ready to fall in love with a classic recipe that delivers on flavor, ease, and versatility. These ricotta stuffed shells are bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

First, they’re incredibly easy to make. Despite their elegant appearance, stuffed shells require minimal effort. With a straightforward filling and store-bought marinara sauce, you’ll have dinner ready with plenty of time to spare.

They’re also budget-friendly. Using a few simple ingredients like pasta, ricotta, and mozzarella, you can create a satisfying meal that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.

Lastly, this dish is highly adaptable. You can tweak the filling with additional vegetables, swap marinara for a creamy Alfredo sauce, or add protein like ground sausage for a heartier version.

No matter how you customize it, these shells offer a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and tangy tomato sauce.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of ricotta stuffed shells lies in their simplicity, yet each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the dish’s flavor and texture.

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: These form the foundation of the dish, providing a perfect vessel for the creamy ricotta filling. Cook them just until al dente to ensure they hold their shape when baked.
• Ricotta Cheese: The star of the filling, ricotta offers a creamy and mild base. Opt for full-fat ricotta for the richest flavor and texture.
• Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese: These cheeses add gooey texture and a savory depth to the filling and topping. Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully, while Parmesan lends a nutty, salty finish.
• Spinach (Optional): Adding fresh or frozen spinach to the filling boosts the nutrition and complements the richness of the cheese.
• Marinara Sauce: A high-quality store-bought marinara or homemade sauce creates the perfect saucy layer. Look for one with a robust, tomato-forward flavor.
• Garlic and Italian Seasoning: These aromatics and herbs enhance the filling, giving it a delightful, savory complexity.

For this recipe, you won’t need any special equipment—just a baking dish, mixing bowl, and a spoon or piping bag for filling the shells.

How To Make Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Creating these mouthwatering ricotta stuffed shells is a straightforward process, perfect for cooks of any skill level.

Begin by cooking the pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Drain them gently and lay them on a baking sheet to cool slightly, which prevents sticking and makes them easier to handle.

Next, prepare the ricotta filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and spinach (if using). Mix until the filling is creamy and well-blended.

To assemble, spoon or pipe the filling into each shell. A piping bag or resealable bag with the corner snipped off makes this step quick and mess-free. Arrange the filled shells snugly in a baking dish.

Pour a generous layer of marinara sauce over the shells, ensuring they’re well-covered to prevent drying out during baking. Sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan on top for a bubbly, golden finish.

Bake the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted and golden. Let the shells cool for a few minutes before serving.

From start to finish, this dish takes about an hour, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.

Storage Options

These ricotta stuffed shells are ideal for meal prep or leftovers. Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for quicker results.

For longer storage, freeze the unbaked shells in a foil-covered dish for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.

Variations and Substitutions

The versatility of ricotta stuffed shells means you can adapt them to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

• Add Protein: Incorporate cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken into the filling for a meatier version.
• Go Vegetarian: Enhance the veggie content by adding diced mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers to the filling.
• Change the Sauce: Swap marinara for Alfredo sauce or a blush sauce for a creamy twist on this classic dish.
• Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with cheeses like fontina or goat cheese for a unique flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta shells to make this recipe accessible to everyone.

Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. No matter how you prepare it, ricotta stuffed shells are always a crowd-pleaser!

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