Description
This easy ricotta stuffed shells recipe is a cheesy, comforting Italian classic made with minimal ingredients. Perfect for a quick family dinner or meal prep, these baked pasta shells are filled with creamy ricotta and topped with marinara sauce for a delicious, satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- Jumbo pasta shells
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Egg
- Garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil (optional)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Marinara sauce
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, a beaten egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
- Stuff the Shells: Take each cooled pasta shell and fill it with a spoonful of the ricotta mixture.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer over the sauce. Pour additional marinara sauce over the top of the shells.
- Add More Cheese: Sprinkle extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top for an extra cheesy finish.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and cover the baking dish with foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the shells rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Meaty Option: Add cooked ground beef or sausage to the ricotta filling or layer it with the marinara sauce.
- Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells: Mix chopped, sautéed spinach into the ricotta filling for added nutrients.
- Alfredo Sauce: Substitute marinara sauce with a creamy Alfredo sauce for a richer flavor.
- Vegan Version: Use dairy-free ricotta and cheese alternatives, along with an egg replacer.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the filling or use spicy marinara sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: italian
Keywords: ricotta stuffed shells, easy stuffed shells, baked pasta recipe, Italian stuffed shells, cheesy stuffed shells