Description
Ricotta Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food dinner with tender jumbo pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta cheese, topped with rich marinara sauce, and baked under a layer of melted mozzarella. This easy dinner recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family meals, holiday gatherings, or meal prep because it can be prepared ahead of time and baked whenever needed. If you are searching for easy pasta recipes, cozy dinner ideas, baked Italian dishes, or cheesy comfort food meals, these Ricotta Stuffed Shells deliver incredible flavor with simple ingredients. The creamy cheese filling paired with bubbling tomato sauce creates a satisfying homemade meal everyone loves.
Ingredients
12 jumbo pasta shells
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
3 cups marinara sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente. Drain carefully and place them on a tray to prevent sticking.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
4. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Fill each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta mixture using a spoon or small scoop.
6. Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish seam-side up.
7. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells until evenly coated.
8. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly across the top along with extra Parmesan if desired.
9. Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Remove from the oven and allow the shells to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
12. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest and richest filling texture.
Do not overcook the pasta shells before baking or they may tear while stuffing.
Allow the stuffed shells to rest for several minutes after baking for easier serving and better texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 stuffed shells
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: ricotta stuffed shells, stuffed pasta shells, baked pasta recipe, easy dinner recipe, cheesy pasta bake, comfort food dinner, Italian pasta recipe