Ricotta Stuffed Shells

These Ricotta Stuffed Shells are the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, then baked to perfection. This dish is hearty, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make!

Ingredients:

For the Shells:

• 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
• 16 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Ricotta Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Stuff the Shells: Spoon a small amount of marinara sauce into the bottom of the baking dish. Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each cooked shell with the ricotta mixture and place them in the dish, open side up.
5. Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle with extra mozzarella cheese for a gooey topping.
6. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread.

Why You’ll Love Ricotta Stuffed Shells

This classic Italian dish is a family favorite for good reason! It’s creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s perfect for making ahead of time—just assemble the shells, refrigerate, and bake when ready!

Pro Tips:

• Make it vegetarian by adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the ricotta mixture.
• Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick weeknight meal.
• Use a homemade marinara sauce for a richer, fresher flavor.

Conclusion

This Ricotta Stuffed Shells recipe is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Try it for dinner tonight and enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!