Cheesy Baked Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells
Indulge in the rich flavors of these Cheesy Baked Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells, a classic Italian dish that's perfect for family gatherings or potluck dinners. This comforting recipe features large pasta shells generously filled with a creamy and flavorful ricotta cheese mixture, baked in a marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella. Easy to prepare, this dish not only satisfies your hunger but also warms your heart, making it a must-try for any pasta lover!
N/A
Servings
329
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
jumbo pasta shells
12 ounces (cook until al dente)
mozzarella cheese
1 1/4 cups (shredded (reserve 1/4 cup for topping))
parmesan cheese
1 cup (grated)
ricotta cheese
2 lbs (none)
eggs
2 large (lightly beaten)
egg yolks
2 (none)
nutmeg
1 pinch (none)
black pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (none)
dried parsley
1 tablespoon (none)
spaghetti sauce
8 ounces (jarred or homemade)
fresh basil
to taste (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In an 8-quart pot, bring water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells for 8 minutes, or until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3
Drain the cooked shells and immediately rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
4
Lay the shells open side down on paper towels to remove excess water.
5
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese (reserve 1/4 cup for topping), beaten eggs, egg yolks, nutmeg, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Mix until well blended.
6
Spread a thin layer of spaghetti sauce across the bottom of a greased 12 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish.
7
Stuff each pasta shell with the ricotta cheese mixture and place them open side up in the prepared dish in a single layer.
8
Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are adequately covered.
9
Loosely cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
10
During the last 5 minutes of baking, remove the foil, sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese on top, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving.
Nutrition Information
16.5g
Fat
30.5g
Carbs
16.4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary dish in this recipe?
The dish is Cheesy Baked Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells, a classic Italian comfort food.
How long should I boil the jumbo pasta shells?
The shells should be boiled for 8 minutes or until they reach an al dente texture.
What is the required oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking the shells.
What types of cheese are used in the filling?
The filling consists of ricotta cheese, grated parmesan cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
How much ricotta cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 2 lbs of ricotta cheese.
Do I need to rinse the pasta after boiling?
Yes, rinse the shells under cold water immediately after draining to stop the cooking process.
What is the purpose of placing shells on paper towels?
Placing the shells open side down on paper towels helps remove excess water before stuffing.
How many eggs are included in the cheese mixture?
The mixture uses 2 large beaten eggs plus 2 additional egg yolks for richness.
What spices are used to flavor the ricotta mixture?
The mixture is flavored with nutmeg, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried parsley.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, use a greased 12 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish for this recipe.
How is the sauce applied to the dish?
Spread a thin layer on the bottom of the dish first, then pour the remaining sauce over the stuffed shells.
How long do the shells bake in the oven?
The shells bake for a total of 45 minutes: 40 minutes covered and 5 minutes uncovered.
When should I add the remaining mozzarella cheese?
Sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup of mozzarella on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Is the dish baked covered or uncovered?
It is baked loosely covered with foil for the majority of the time to prevent the pasta from drying out.
What should I use for garnish?
Garnish the finished dish with freshly chopped basil before serving.
How many calories are in a serving of these stuffed shells?
Each serving contains approximately 329 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 16.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
One serving contains 30.5g of carbohydrates.
How much protein is provided per serving?
Each serving provides 16.4g of protein.
Can I use homemade spaghetti sauce?
Yes, the recipe works well with either jarred or homemade spaghetti sauce.
What size is the recommended baking dish?
A 12 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish is recommended.
How do I prevent the pasta shells from sticking during boiling?
Stir the shells occasionally while they are cooking in the boiling water.
How many ounces of jumbo pasta shells are needed?
You will need 12 ounces of jumbo pasta shells.
Should the stuffed shells be placed in a single layer?
Yes, place the stuffed shells open side up in a single layer in the baking dish.
What is the texture of the cheese filling?
The filling is creamy and rich due to the combination of ricotta, parmesan, and eggs.
Does this recipe include meat?
No, this specific recipe is a vegetarian-friendly cheese-based pasta dish.
How long should the dish rest after baking?
Let the dish rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to allow the filling to set.
What kind of mozzarella should I use?
The recipe calls for shredded mozzarella cheese.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, its comforting nature and easy preparation make it perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.