There’s something undeniably magical about stuffed shells ricotta. Imagine a warm, gooey embrace of creamy ricotta nestled inside delicate pasta shells, smothered in rich tomato sauce and topped with melted cheese. The moment you take a bite, the flavors dance on your palate, creating a symphony of comfort that can only be described as a hug in food form. This dish is perfect for cozy weeknights or festive gatherings when you want to impress but also keep things relaxed.
I remember the first time I made stuffed shells ricotta; it was a rainy Saturday evening, and my friends were over for dinner. As the aroma wafted through my tiny apartment, I could see their eyes light up with anticipation. By the time we sat down to eat, laughter filled the room, and those cheesy shells disappeared faster than you could say “mamma mia!”
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Stuffed shells ricotta offers an easy preparation process that will bring joy to your kitchen
- Bursting with flavor, this dish is visually appealing and will impress anyone at your dinner table
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate different dietary preferences or pantry staples
I still chuckle at how my friend Steve tried to get the last shell but ended up wearing half of it instead. Ah, memories!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Jumbo Pasta Shells: Look for sturdy jumbo shells that will hold up well during baking without tearing.
Ricotta Cheese: Choose whole milk ricotta for its rich creaminess that makes every bite heavenly.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for fresh mozzarella if you want that melty stretch—perfect for cheese lovers.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds a nutty flavor and enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.
Fresh Spinach: Including spinach not only boosts nutrients but also gives a lovely color contrast.
Marinara Sauce: You can use store-bought or homemade; just ensure it’s packed with flavor to complement the cheesy goodness.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil and oregano will elevate the flavor without any extra fuss.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic provides an aromatic punch that enhances every layer of this dish.
Olive Oil: A drizzle will help sauté your garlic while adding depth to your marinara sauce.
Salt and Pepper: Always season thoughtfully to balance flavors throughout the dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for bubbly cheese perfection while keeping the pasta tender.
Sauté Garlic and Spinach: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant; toss in chopped spinach until wilted and vibrant.
Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sautéed spinach mixture, shredded mozzarella (reserve some for topping), grated parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well blended.
Fill the Shells: Carefully spoon generous amounts of the cheese filling into each cooked jumbo shell. Don’t be shy! Place them snugly in a greased baking dish.
Add Marinara Sauce: Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells generously—make sure they are well-coated! Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese on top for that melted goodness everyone craves.
Bake Until Golden: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. The aroma will have everyone gathering around!
Now you’ve got yourself a delightful plate of stuffed shells ricotta that will surely impress both family and friends alike! Serve hot with fresh basil on top for additional flair. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
You Must Know
- Stuffed shells ricotta is a delightful dish that combines creamy ricotta with savory flavors
- Perfect for family gatherings, this dish can be customized to your taste
- The aroma of baked cheese fills the kitchen, inviting everyone to the table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the pasta shells until al dente. While they cool, mix the ricotta and herbs. Then, stuff each shell generously before preparing your sauce. This sequence ensures everything cooks evenly and flavors meld beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out herbs or add spinach for extra nutrients. You can also sprinkle some mozzarella on top for a cheesy crust. Personalizing stuffed shells ricotta makes each meal unique and exciting.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through, keeping them moist and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh herbs for enhanced flavor; dried ones can dull the taste
- Make sure to drain ricotta properly for creaminess without excess moisture
- Baking shells covered prevents drying out while allowing them to steam perfectly
Creating stuffed shells ricotta reminds me of my grandmother’s Sunday dinners, where laughter echoed around the table as we devoured her creations, always asking for seconds.
FAQ
What type of cheese is best for stuffed shells ricotta?
Mixing mozzarella with ricotta adds creaminess and flavor depth to your dish.
Can I prepare stuffed shells ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble them a day ahead and refrigerate before baking for convenience.
How long does it take to bake stuffed shells?
Bake at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Stuffed Shells Ricotta
Stuffed shells ricotta are a comforting Italian classic, perfect for gatherings or cozy weeknights. These jumbo pasta shells are filled with creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and gooey mozzarella, all topped with rich marinara sauce and melted cheese. Each bite delivers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. Easy to prepare, this dish is not only delicious but also customizable to suit dietary preferences.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (3 stuffed shells each) 1x
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, sautéed spinach, mozzarella (reserve some), parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each cooked pasta shell generously with the cheese mixture and place them in a greased baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
