Stuffed Shells Ricotta Recipe – Easy, Cheesy, and Delicious Italian Comfort Food

Stuffed shells ricotta is more than just a meal. It is the kind of dish that brings people together around the dinner table with its comforting layers of creamy cheese, tender pasta, and rich tomato sauce. Whether you are cooking for a family gathering or preparing a quiet weeknight dinner, this recipe fits just right. The best part? It looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners in the kitchen.

The combination of jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta cheese blend and baked until bubbly creates a texture and flavor that is hard to resist. It is hearty, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. You can keep it vegetarian or throw in some cooked sausage or spinach for a little twist.

With a few pantry staples, some quality cheese, and a good marinara sauce, you are on your way to creating something special. While the dish may sound like something you would only order at a cozy Italian restaurant, it is entirely doable at home and takes less time than you might think.

Below, you will find everything you need to master this delicious recipe, from ingredients to step-by-step instructions, tips for customizing it, and helpful nutrition information. Let’s get into the details so you can enjoy stuffed shells ricotta anytime the craving hits.

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Ingredients Needed

Before starting, gather all the ingredients. Most of them are common pantry items or easy to find in any grocery store. Here’s a helpful table that lists each ingredient along with its approximate calorie count per serving:

Ingredient	Amount	Calories (Approx)
Jumbo pasta shells	20 shells	210
Ricotta cheese (whole milk)	2 cups	428
Mozzarella cheese (shredded)	2 cups	672
Parmesan cheese (grated)	½ cup	216
Egg	1 large	70
Marinara sauce	3 cups	240
Garlic (minced)	2 cloves	8
Fresh parsley (chopped)	2 tablespoons	2
Olive oil	1 tablespoon	119
Salt	½ teaspoon	0
Black pepper	¼ teaspoon	0

Note: Calorie counts are approximate and may vary based on brand or preparation.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cooking stuffed shells with ricotta is straightforward. The process involves boiling the pasta, preparing the cheese filling, assembling the shells, and baking them until golden and delicious.

1. Cook the pasta shells

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente, usually about 9 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking. Once cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water. Set them aside on a large plate or baking sheet to cool.

2. Prepare the cheese filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, one cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, one egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until fully mixed. The mixture should be creamy and slightly thick, making it easy to spoon into the shells.Continue your cooking journey with Taco Stuffed Shells _ right after this.

3. Preheat your oven

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature ensures the shells cook evenly and the cheese melts perfectly without drying out.

4. Assemble the shells

In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread about one cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom. Take each cooked shell and fill it with about one to two tablespoons of the ricotta mixture. Arrange the filled shells in the baking dish, open side up.

5. Add the sauce and cheese

Once all the shells are in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over everything. For a more golden crust, you can add a bit more Parmesan on top.

6. Bake until bubbly

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling. If you like a slightly crispy top, broil for an additional 2 minutes at the end.

7. Let it rest

Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to plate.

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Tips for Customizing the Recipe

Stuffed shells ricotta is one of those recipes that invites creativity. You can adjust it to fit different tastes or dietary needs without compromising on flavor.

Add vegetables: Mix in cooked spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or chopped zucchini to the ricotta mixture for extra nutrients.

Make it meaty: Add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the filling or layer it into the sauce for a heartier version.

Use different cheeses: Swap in cottage cheese for ricotta to lighten it up. Add a bit of provolone or fontina for extra richness.

Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta shells, which are widely available in stores now.

Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the filling or sauce for a little heat.

Freeze for later: Assemble the dish ahead of time and freeze it before baking. It keeps well for up to three months.

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Nutritional Information

Each serving of stuffed shells ricotta (approximately four to five shells) contains:

These numbers are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use.

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Serving Suggestions

Stuffed shells ricotta pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and drinks. If you are serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, here are a few simple ideas to complete the meal:

• Garlic bread: A warm, crusty loaf or homemade garlic knots go perfectly with the cheesy tomato flavors.
• Fresh salad: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of the shells.
• Roasted vegetables: Try oven-roasted asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for an earthy contrast.
• Red wine or sparkling water: A glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti complements the dish well. Sparkling water with lemon also works as a refreshing, non-alcoholic option.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make stuffed shells ricotta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. It is perfect for meal prepping.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 to 20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 2 to 3 minutes until hot.

Can I freeze stuffed shells?
Absolutely. Stuffed shells freeze well both before and after baking. Be sure to cover them tightly with foil and label with the date.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
You can try using dairy-free ricotta and vegan mozzarella. Several brands offer tasty alternatives, though flavor and texture may vary slightly.

What sauce works best?
A good-quality marinara is classic, but you can also use a meat sauce, arrabbiata, or even a creamy Alfredo for a twist.

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Conclusion

Few dishes feel as warm and welcoming as stuffed shells filled with ricotta cheese. It’s one of those meals that turns an ordinary day into something a little more special. The creamy filling, rich tomato sauce, and golden melted cheese create a timeless combination that’s hard not to love. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner with friends, this recipe is sure to bring comfort, flavor, and a whole lot of smiles to the table. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again.