Description
These Ricotta Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food dinner with jumbo pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and herbs, all baked in rich marinara sauce until bubbly and golden. This easy dinner recipe is perfect for family meals, holiday gatherings, meal prep, and cozy pasta nights. Whether you need quick dinner ideas, easy Italian food recipes, or comforting baked pasta dishes, these cheesy stuffed shells deliver incredible flavor every time.
Ingredients
20 jumbo pasta shells
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 large egg
3 cups marinara sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente according to package instructions.
3. Drain the pasta shells and lightly rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process.
4. Drizzle the shells with olive oil or place them separately on a tray to prevent sticking.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
6. Mix the filling thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
7. Spread 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a large baking dish.
8. Fill each cooked shell generously with the ricotta mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
9. Arrange the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish.
10. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the shells.
11. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top.
12. Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
13. Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
14. Allow the shells to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
15. Garnish with chopped parsley or fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
Use whole milk ricotta cheese for the creamiest filling and best texture.
Cook the pasta shells only until al dente to prevent tearing during stuffing and baking.
Allow the stuffed shells to rest after baking so the filling can firm up before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: ricotta stuffed shells, stuffed pasta shells, baked pasta recipe, cheesy pasta dinner, easy Italian dinner, comfort food recipe, family dinner ideas