Homemade Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

Pasta nights reach new heights with this creamy ricotta stuffed shells recipe that promises comfort in every bite.

Tender jumbo shells cradle a rich, velvety ricotta filling that melts in your mouth.

Each shell bursts with flavors of herbs, tangy cheese, and a perfectly balanced tomato sauce.

The dish comes together with surprising ease, making it a weeknight dinner champion.

Layers of cheese and sauce create a harmonious blend that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

This recipe is your ticket to a hearty, soul-warming dinner that never disappoints.

What’s Special About Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Whip up this delightful pasta dish with minimal prep, making it perfect for busy families craving a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Packed with gooey cheese and rich marinara, these stuffed shells guarantee smiles around the dinner table, appealing to both kids and adults with its classic Italian flavors.
• Flexible Meal Option: Easily customize the recipe by adding ground meat, swapping cheeses, or incorporating extra vegetables to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the shells in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, offering a stress-free solution for entertaining or planning meals ahead of time.

Ricotta Shells Ingredient List

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for stuffing with creamy ricotta mixture.
• Ricotta Cheese: A soft, creamy cheese that creates a smooth and rich filling for the shells.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic Italian tomato sauce that adds vibrant flavor and moisture to the dish.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that provide a delicious golden topping and add depth to the overall flavor.

• Egg, Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the flavor of the ricotta filling and help bind the ingredients together.

• Fresh Basil: A fragrant herb that adds a bright, fresh touch to the finished dish.

Preparing Your Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat the oven to a toasty 375°F.

This warm temperature will help create a perfectly golden and bubbling dish.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells

Boil the jumbo pasta shells in salted water following package instructions.

Once cooked, carefully drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Create the Cheese Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir until all ingredients are smoothly combined and create a creamy mixture.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

This creates a delicious base for your shells.

Step 5: Stuff and Arrange the Shells

Gently fill each pasta shell with the rich cheese mixture.

Carefully place the stuffed shells on top of the marinara sauce in the baking dish.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Serve the shells warm, straight from the oven, for a comforting and delicious meal.

Best Tips for Cheesy Stuffed Shells

• Pat cooked shells dry with paper towels to prevent excess water from making your filling soggy and diluting the rich cheese mixture.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh chopped herbs like oregano to the ricotta mixture for an extra flavor punch that elevates the entire dish.
• Swap part-skim ricotta with whole milk ricotta for a creamier, more luxurious texture that melts beautifully in your mouth.
• Assemble the shells completely up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a stress-free meal preparation.
• Mix in some cooked spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the ricotta filling for added nutrients and a hearty vegetarian-friendly twist.

Ways to Switch Up Ricotta Shells

• Vegan Shells: Replace ricotta with tofu, use plant-based mozzarella and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and swap egg with ground flaxseed mixed with water.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells or substitute with zucchini boats, maintaining the same cheese and seasoning mixture.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace pasta shells with roasted bell pepper halves or steamed cauliflower, keeping the original cheese filling and marinara sauce.
• Spicy Mediterranean Spin: Add red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture, incorporate chopped kalamata olives, and top with crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor.

Serving Ideas for Stuffed Shells

• Veggie Companion: Toss a crisp green salad with mixed leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy shells.
• Wine Pairing Paradise: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the tomato sauce and creamy ricotta flavors.
• Bread Bonus: Serve with toasted garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious marinara sauce and add a delightful crunch to the meal.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle extra fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving to brighten the dish and add a pop of vibrant color and fresh aroma.

Keeping Stuffed Shells Fresh Longer

• Store leftover shells in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Carefully place shells in a single layer or separate with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the shells from tearing while cooking?

Boil the shells just until al dente and handle them gently. Drain and rinse with cold water immediately to stop the cooking process and make them easier to stuff.

• Can I prepare the stuffed shells in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking directly from the refrigerator.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

Create a quick substitute by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in equal proportions. Use the same amount as the recipe calls for.

Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delectable Ricotta Stuffed Shells bring Italian comfort to dinner tables with creamy cheese and hearty marinara. Pasta lovers will savor each bite of these tender shells packed with rich, herbed ricotta and baked to golden perfection.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Cheese:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Binding and Seasoning:

• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Sauce:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) marinara sauce
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to a precise 375°F (190°C), ensuring an optimal cooking environment for the shells.
2. Submerge jumbo pasta shells in boiling water, cooking until they reach an al dente texture. Carefully drain and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Create a creamy filling by whisking ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well-incorporated.
4. Prepare the baking dish by spreading a generous layer of marinara sauce across the bottom, creating a flavorful foundation.
5. Delicately stuff each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta mixture, positioning them strategically over the marinara sauce base.
6. Lavishly coat the stuffed shells with remaining marinara sauce, ensuring complete coverage and added moisture.
7. Generously sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top, creating a tantalizing cheese blanket.
8. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and shells to heat through.
9. Remove the foil and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to transform into a golden, bubbling crust.
10. Finish with a light garnish of fresh basil leaves for a burst of aromatic freshness. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Perfectly cook pasta shells by following package instructions exactly, ensuring they’re al dente to prevent soggy texture when baked.
• Drain shells immediately and spread on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking and maintain ideal shell shape for stuffing.
• Enhance ricotta mixture’s flavor by adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil for extra brightness and depth.
• Adapt recipe for vegetarian diets by using plant-based cheese alternatives and ensuring marinara sauce contains no meat-based ingredients.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 406 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 487 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 78 mg