Are you looking for a comforting, creamy, and utterly delicious meal? Look no further than The Best Easy Ricotta Stuffed Shells! These jumbo pasta shells are bursting with rich cheese flavors and are perfect for any dinner occasion, whether it’s a family meal or a cozy gathering with friends.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser! The blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan creates a cheesy filling that melts in your mouth. Plus, it comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy evenings. If you love pasta and cheese, this dish will quickly become one of your favorites!
How to Make The Best Easy Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Follow these simple steps to create this mouthwatering dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Additional Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly.
- Cook the pasta shells in salted boiling water for 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water, then set aside.
- In a bowl, mix together the ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly at the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Stuff each shell with a generous tablespoon of the ricotta mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells seam-side up in the dish.
- Combine the remaining marinara sauce with basil and oregano. Spoon this sauce evenly over the stuffed shells.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
How to Serve The Best Easy Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Serve these stuffed shells warm, topped with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. Pair them with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal that will wow your guests!
How to Store The Best Easy Ricotta Stuffed Shells
If you have leftovers (if that’s even possible!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last for 3-5 days. You can also freeze the unbaked stuffed shells for up to 3 months. Just be sure to freeze them in a suitable dish.
Tips to Make The Best Easy Ricotta Stuffed Shells
- Make sure to cook the pasta shells al dente so they don’t become too soft after baking.
- Feel free to add extra herbs or spices to the cheese mixture for more flavor.
- If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought marinara sauce.
Variation
You can add cooked spinach or chopped mushrooms to the ricotta filling for added nutrition and flavor. You could also swap the marinara sauce for a creamy Alfredo sauce if you want a different twist!
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! You can experiment with other cheeses, such as cottage cheese or different blends of mozzarella.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed shells a day in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, uncooked stuffed shells can be frozen. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding extra baking time as needed.