![- 20 jumbo pasta shells - 2 cups ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided - 1 large egg, beaten - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Gathering these ingredients is the key to making perfect ricotta stuffed shells. I always choose fresh ingredients for the best flavor. The jumbo pasta shells hold the rich filling well. Ricotta cheese gives the dish its creamy texture. Mixing in mozzarella and Parmesan adds depth to the flavor. I like to use a large egg to bind the filling. Marinara sauce adds a nice zing to the dish. Dried basil and oregano bring in a touch of Italian charm. Finally, season with salt and pepper to your taste. Fresh basil leaves not only look pretty but also add a burst of freshness when you serve. For the full recipe, check out the steps after gathering these ingredients. Enjoy the process and get ready for a comforting meal! - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - Cook jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente. - Drain and cool the pasta shells. To start, I always preheat the oven first. This step ensures the oven is hot when the dish is ready. Next, boil salted water in a large pot. Add the jumbo pasta shells carefully. Cook them until they are al dente, which means they should have a slight bite. This keeps them from getting mushy when baking. Once cooked, drain the shells in a colander and let them cool. If they stick, gently separate them with your fingers. - Mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and herbs. - Season with salt and pepper. Now, let’s make the filling! In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, one cup of shredded mozzarella, and half a cup of grated Parmesan. Add one beaten egg and your choice of dried herbs, like basil and oregano. This mix adds great flavor. I always season it with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This filling is the heart of our dish! - Fill pasta shells with ricotta mixture. - Pour marinara sauce in the baking dish. - Arrange filled shells and top with remaining sauce and cheese. It’s time to assemble! Take each cooked pasta shell and fill it with the ricotta mixture. Use a spoon or a piping bag for this task to avoid mess. Next, pour about one cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly. Place the filled shells in a single layer. Drizzle the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the shells for a cheesy finish. - Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. - Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This keeps the shells moist while baking. Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. This helps the cheese on top turn golden and bubbly. When done, let the dish rest for a few minutes. This makes serving easier and helps the flavors meld. Enjoy your creation! To make the best ricotta filling, always use freshly grated cheeses. They add richer flavor and texture. You can also adjust the herbs to fit your taste. If you love basil, add more! Want a hint of spice? A pinch of red pepper flakes works well too. When cooking pasta shells, be careful not to overcook them. Overcooked shells break easily and make for a messy dish. Consider adding a splash of olive oil to the boiling water. This helps prevent sticking and keeps your shells intact. When baking your stuffed shells, cover the dish with foil at first. This helps ensure even cooking. After 25 minutes, remove the foil. This allows the cheese to get bubbly and golden. After baking, let the dish rest for a few minutes. This makes serving easier and helps the flavors settle. {{image_4}} You can change up the cheese in your stuffed shells for a fun twist. Using goat cheese gives a tangy flavor. It works well with the creamy ricotta. If you prefer a milder taste, try cottage cheese. It still adds a nice creaminess. For an extra rich filling, add cream cheese. It melts beautifully and makes each bite even smoother. Marinara sauce is classic, but you can get creative! Try making a homemade sauce for a fresh taste. You can use fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs for a vibrant flavor. If you want something different, try pesto. It adds a fresh herbal kick. Alfredo sauce is another fun choice. Its creamy texture pairs perfectly with the cheesy filling. Want to make your ricotta stuffed shells heartier? You can add proteins to the filling. Ground meat adds flavor and makes it more filling. Cook it in a pan before mixing it with the ricotta. For a veggie option, add spinach. It adds color and nutrition. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta shells. You can still enjoy this dish without worry. After you enjoy your ricotta stuffed shells, cool them down first. This step helps keep the shells fresh. Use airtight containers to store them in the fridge. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to cover them tightly to avoid air exposure. They will be good for about three to four days. To freeze stuffed shells, let them cool fully. Then, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. This method helps prevent freezer burn. They can stay good in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to eat them, take them out of the freezer. Thaw them in the fridge overnight. For reheating, place them in a baking dish with some marinara sauce. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes. This keeps them moist and tasty. Enjoy your delicious meal again! To make ricotta stuffed shells, you need a few key ingredients. First, gather 20 jumbo pasta shells, 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan. You also need 1 large beaten egg, 2 cups of marinara sauce, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Here's a quick overview of the process: 1. Cook the pasta shells in boiling water until they are al dente. 2. Mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and herbs in a bowl. 3. Fill the shells with the ricotta mixture. 4. Layer marinara sauce in a baking dish, add shells, and top with more sauce and cheese. 5. Bake until bubbly and golden. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Yes, you can make ricotta stuffed shells ahead of time. Prepare them up to the baking step. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge. You can assemble them a day in advance. Just keep in mind that the shells may soak up some sauce overnight. When you are ready to bake, remove the cover and bake the shells. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since they will be cold. Ricotta stuffed shells are rich and cheesy, so a light side works well. Consider these options: - A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette. - Garlic bread or breadsticks for a crunchy touch. - Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added flavor and color. These sides balance the dish and add freshness to your meal. To reheat ricotta stuffed shells, there are a few methods. The best way is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shells in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes. This keeps the cheese from drying out. You can also use the microwave. Place a few shells on a plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short bursts until warm. However, the oven gives you better results. Make delicious ricotta stuffed shells with easy steps and smart tips. Using simple ingredients, I've shown you how to create a tasty dish everyone will love. You can customize it with different cheeses or sauces, too. Proper storage will keep your leftovers fresh. Enjoy your meal today and explore the many ways to make it your own. Happy cooking!](https://dailydishcraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/d37f244c-b2eb-4647-b619-e429f14a178f-768x768.webp)
Are you ready to dive into a dish that wraps comfort and taste in every bite? Ricotta stuffed shells are the ultimate cheesy delight, perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. With easy steps, you’ll fill jumbo shells with a creamy ricotta mix and bake them in rich marinara sauce. This recipe brings warmth and satisfaction to your table. Let’s make this comforting dish together!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 20 jumbo pasta shells
– 2 cups ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Gathering these ingredients is the key to making perfect ricotta stuffed shells. I always choose fresh ingredients for the best flavor. The jumbo pasta shells hold the rich filling well. Ricotta cheese gives the dish its creamy texture. Mixing in mozzarella and Parmesan adds depth to the flavor.
I like to use a large egg to bind the filling. Marinara sauce adds a nice zing to the dish. Dried basil and oregano bring in a touch of Italian charm. Finally, season with salt and pepper to your taste. Fresh basil leaves not only look pretty but also add a burst of freshness when you serve.
For the full recipe, check out the steps after gathering these ingredients. Enjoy the process and get ready for a comforting meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Pasta Shells
– Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Cook jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente.
– Drain and cool the pasta shells.
To start, I always preheat the oven first. This step ensures the oven is hot when the dish is ready. Next, boil salted water in a large pot. Add the jumbo pasta shells carefully. Cook them until they are al dente, which means they should have a slight bite. This keeps them from getting mushy when baking. Once cooked, drain the shells in a colander and let them cool. If they stick, gently separate them with your fingers.
Making the Ricotta Filling
– Mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and herbs.
– Season with salt and pepper.
Now, let’s make the filling! In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, one cup of shredded mozzarella, and half a cup of grated Parmesan. Add one beaten egg and your choice of dried herbs, like basil and oregano. This mix adds great flavor. I always season it with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This filling is the heart of our dish!
Assembling the Dish
– Fill pasta shells with ricotta mixture.
– Pour marinara sauce in the baking dish.
– Arrange filled shells and top with remaining sauce and cheese.
It’s time to assemble! Take each cooked pasta shell and fill it with the ricotta mixture. Use a spoon or a piping bag for this task to avoid mess. Next, pour about one cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly. Place the filled shells in a single layer. Drizzle the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the shells for a cheesy finish.
Baking Process
– Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
– Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This keeps the shells moist while baking. Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. This helps the cheese on top turn golden and bubbly. When done, let the dish rest for a few minutes. This makes serving easier and helps the flavors meld. Enjoy your creation!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Ricotta Mixture
To make the best ricotta filling, always use freshly grated cheeses. They add richer flavor and texture. You can also adjust the herbs to fit your taste. If you love basil, add more! Want a hint of spice? A pinch of red pepper flakes works well too.
Shell Cooking Tips
When cooking pasta shells, be careful not to overcook them. Overcooked shells break easily and make for a messy dish. Consider adding a splash of olive oil to the boiling water. This helps prevent sticking and keeps your shells intact.
Baking Tips
When baking your stuffed shells, cover the dish with foil at first. This helps ensure even cooking. After 25 minutes, remove the foil. This allows the cheese to get bubbly and golden. After baking, let the dish rest for a few minutes. This makes serving easier and helps the flavors settle.
Variations
Different Cheeses
You can change up the cheese in your stuffed shells for a fun twist. Using goat cheese gives a tangy flavor. It works well with the creamy ricotta. If you prefer a milder taste, try cottage cheese. It still adds a nice creaminess. For an extra rich filling, add cream cheese. It melts beautifully and makes each bite even smoother.
Sauce Alternatives
Marinara sauce is classic, but you can get creative! Try making a homemade sauce for a fresh taste. You can use fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs for a vibrant flavor. If you want something different, try pesto. It adds a fresh herbal kick. Alfredo sauce is another fun choice. Its creamy texture pairs perfectly with the cheesy filling.
Adding Proteins
Want to make your ricotta stuffed shells heartier? You can add proteins to the filling. Ground meat adds flavor and makes it more filling. Cook it in a pan before mixing it with the ricotta. For a veggie option, add spinach. It adds color and nutrition. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta shells. You can still enjoy this dish without worry.
Storage Info
Refrigerating Leftovers
After you enjoy your ricotta stuffed shells, cool them down first. This step helps keep the shells fresh. Use airtight containers to store them in the fridge. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to cover them tightly to avoid air exposure. They will be good for about three to four days.
Freezing Guidelines
To freeze stuffed shells, let them cool fully. Then, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. This method helps prevent freezer burn. They can stay good in the freezer for up to three months.
When you want to eat them, take them out of the freezer. Thaw them in the fridge overnight. For reheating, place them in a baking dish with some marinara sauce. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes. This keeps them moist and tasty. Enjoy your delicious meal again!
FAQs
How do you make ricotta stuffed shells from scratch?
To make ricotta stuffed shells, you need a few key ingredients. First, gather 20 jumbo pasta shells, 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan. You also need 1 large beaten egg, 2 cups of marinara sauce, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Here’s a quick overview of the process:
1. Cook the pasta shells in boiling water until they are al dente.
2. Mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and herbs in a bowl.
3. Fill the shells with the ricotta mixture.
4. Layer marinara sauce in a baking dish, add shells, and top with more sauce and cheese.
5. Bake until bubbly and golden.
For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].
Can I make ricotta stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can make ricotta stuffed shells ahead of time. Prepare them up to the baking step. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge. You can assemble them a day in advance. Just keep in mind that the shells may soak up some sauce overnight.
When you are ready to bake, remove the cover and bake the shells. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since they will be cold.
What sides pair well with ricotta stuffed shells?
Ricotta stuffed shells are rich and cheesy, so a light side works well. Consider these options:
– A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
– Garlic bread or breadsticks for a crunchy touch.
– Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added flavor and color.
These sides balance the dish and add freshness to your meal.
How to reheat ricotta stuffed shells?
To reheat ricotta stuffed shells, there are a few methods. The best way is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shells in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes. This keeps the cheese from drying out.
You can also use the microwave. Place a few shells on a plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short bursts until warm. However, the oven gives you better results.
Make delicious ricotta stuffed shells with easy steps and smart tips. Using simple ingredients, I’ve shown you how to create a tasty dish everyone will love. You can customize it with different cheeses or sauces, too. Proper storage will keep your leftovers fresh. Enjoy your meal today and explore the many ways to make it your own. Happy cooking!
![- 20 jumbo pasta shells - 2 cups ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided - 1 large egg, beaten - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Gathering these ingredients is the key to making perfect ricotta stuffed shells. I always choose fresh ingredients for the best flavor. The jumbo pasta shells hold the rich filling well. Ricotta cheese gives the dish its creamy texture. Mixing in mozzarella and Parmesan adds depth to the flavor. I like to use a large egg to bind the filling. Marinara sauce adds a nice zing to the dish. Dried basil and oregano bring in a touch of Italian charm. Finally, season with salt and pepper to your taste. Fresh basil leaves not only look pretty but also add a burst of freshness when you serve. For the full recipe, check out the steps after gathering these ingredients. Enjoy the process and get ready for a comforting meal! - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - Cook jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente. - Drain and cool the pasta shells. To start, I always preheat the oven first. This step ensures the oven is hot when the dish is ready. Next, boil salted water in a large pot. Add the jumbo pasta shells carefully. Cook them until they are al dente, which means they should have a slight bite. This keeps them from getting mushy when baking. Once cooked, drain the shells in a colander and let them cool. If they stick, gently separate them with your fingers. - Mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and herbs. - Season with salt and pepper. Now, let’s make the filling! In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, one cup of shredded mozzarella, and half a cup of grated Parmesan. Add one beaten egg and your choice of dried herbs, like basil and oregano. This mix adds great flavor. I always season it with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This filling is the heart of our dish! - Fill pasta shells with ricotta mixture. - Pour marinara sauce in the baking dish. - Arrange filled shells and top with remaining sauce and cheese. It’s time to assemble! Take each cooked pasta shell and fill it with the ricotta mixture. Use a spoon or a piping bag for this task to avoid mess. Next, pour about one cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly. Place the filled shells in a single layer. Drizzle the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the shells for a cheesy finish. - Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. - Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This keeps the shells moist while baking. Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. This helps the cheese on top turn golden and bubbly. When done, let the dish rest for a few minutes. This makes serving easier and helps the flavors meld. Enjoy your creation! To make the best ricotta filling, always use freshly grated cheeses. They add richer flavor and texture. You can also adjust the herbs to fit your taste. If you love basil, add more! Want a hint of spice? A pinch of red pepper flakes works well too. When cooking pasta shells, be careful not to overcook them. Overcooked shells break easily and make for a messy dish. Consider adding a splash of olive oil to the boiling water. This helps prevent sticking and keeps your shells intact. When baking your stuffed shells, cover the dish with foil at first. This helps ensure even cooking. After 25 minutes, remove the foil. This allows the cheese to get bubbly and golden. After baking, let the dish rest for a few minutes. This makes serving easier and helps the flavors settle. {{image_4}} You can change up the cheese in your stuffed shells for a fun twist. Using goat cheese gives a tangy flavor. It works well with the creamy ricotta. If you prefer a milder taste, try cottage cheese. It still adds a nice creaminess. For an extra rich filling, add cream cheese. It melts beautifully and makes each bite even smoother. Marinara sauce is classic, but you can get creative! Try making a homemade sauce for a fresh taste. You can use fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs for a vibrant flavor. If you want something different, try pesto. It adds a fresh herbal kick. Alfredo sauce is another fun choice. Its creamy texture pairs perfectly with the cheesy filling. Want to make your ricotta stuffed shells heartier? You can add proteins to the filling. Ground meat adds flavor and makes it more filling. Cook it in a pan before mixing it with the ricotta. For a veggie option, add spinach. It adds color and nutrition. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta shells. You can still enjoy this dish without worry. After you enjoy your ricotta stuffed shells, cool them down first. This step helps keep the shells fresh. Use airtight containers to store them in the fridge. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to cover them tightly to avoid air exposure. They will be good for about three to four days. To freeze stuffed shells, let them cool fully. Then, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. This method helps prevent freezer burn. They can stay good in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to eat them, take them out of the freezer. Thaw them in the fridge overnight. For reheating, place them in a baking dish with some marinara sauce. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes. This keeps them moist and tasty. Enjoy your delicious meal again! To make ricotta stuffed shells, you need a few key ingredients. First, gather 20 jumbo pasta shells, 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan. You also need 1 large beaten egg, 2 cups of marinara sauce, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Here's a quick overview of the process: 1. Cook the pasta shells in boiling water until they are al dente. 2. Mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and herbs in a bowl. 3. Fill the shells with the ricotta mixture. 4. Layer marinara sauce in a baking dish, add shells, and top with more sauce and cheese. 5. Bake until bubbly and golden. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Yes, you can make ricotta stuffed shells ahead of time. Prepare them up to the baking step. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge. You can assemble them a day in advance. Just keep in mind that the shells may soak up some sauce overnight. When you are ready to bake, remove the cover and bake the shells. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since they will be cold. Ricotta stuffed shells are rich and cheesy, so a light side works well. Consider these options: - A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette. - Garlic bread or breadsticks for a crunchy touch. - Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added flavor and color. These sides balance the dish and add freshness to your meal. To reheat ricotta stuffed shells, there are a few methods. The best way is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shells in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes. This keeps the cheese from drying out. You can also use the microwave. Place a few shells on a plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short bursts until warm. However, the oven gives you better results. Make delicious ricotta stuffed shells with easy steps and smart tips. Using simple ingredients, I've shown you how to create a tasty dish everyone will love. You can customize it with different cheeses or sauces, too. Proper storage will keep your leftovers fresh. Enjoy your meal today and explore the many ways to make it your own. Happy cooking!](https://dailydishcraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/d37f244c-b2eb-4647-b619-e429f14a178f-250x250.webp)
