Cheesy Meatball & Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells
Indulge in these Cheesy Meatball & Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells that bring comfort and joy to the dinner table. This delightful dish features tender jumbo pasta shells filled with savory turkey meatballs and creamy ricotta cheese, all topped with a luscious marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is quick to prepare and is guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters, including your little ones. Serve it alongside a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal that your family will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Turkey meatballs
12 (thawed, precooked)
Jumbo pasta shells
12 (boiled according to package directions)
Ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups (none)
Marinara sauce
1 cup (none)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (none)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheesy Meatball & Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells?
This is a comfort food dish featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with turkey meatballs and creamy ricotta, topped with marinara and mozzarella.
How many turkey meatballs are needed for this recipe?
You will need 12 thawed, precooked turkey meatballs.
What type of pasta is used?
The recipe calls for 12 jumbo pasta shells.
How should the pasta shells be prepared?
The shells should be boiled according to the package directions before being stuffed.
How much ricotta cheese is required?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of ricotta cheese.
What kind of sauce is used for the topping?
One cup of marinara sauce is used to top the stuffed shells.
What type of cheese is sprinkled on top?
The dish is topped with 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is a family-friendly meal designed to please even picky eaters.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, it is an easy and quick dish to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
Can I use beef meatballs instead of turkey?
Yes, you can substitute turkey meatballs with precooked beef or pork meatballs.
Do the meatballs need to be cooked first?
The recipe calls for precooked meatballs that have been thawed.
What are the main flavors in this dish?
The primary flavors are savory turkey, creamy ricotta, tangy marinara, and melted mozzarella.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes, mixing chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms into the ricotta is a common variation.
What should I serve with these stuffed shells?
A fresh side salad or garlic bread complements this meal very well.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: turkey meatballs, jumbo shells, ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, and mozzarella.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, the combination of pasta, cheese, and meatballs makes it a classic comfort food dish.
Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
Absolutely, using a high-quality homemade marinara can enhance the flavor of the dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the stuffed shells?
Yes, these shells can be frozen either before or after baking for later use.
What is the best way to thaw frozen meatballs?
Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
While ricotta provides a creamier texture, cottage cheese can be used as a substitute.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the shells and store them in the fridge until you are ready to bake and serve.
How many shells make a single serving?
Typically, 3 to 4 stuffed shells are considered a standard serving size.
Can I add extra seasoning to the ricotta?
Yes, adding Italian seasoning, salt, or pepper to the ricotta can add more depth.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
The original recipe uses turkey meatballs, but you can swap them for plant-based meatballs to make it vegetarian.
Can I use different types of cheese for the topping?
Yes, an Italian cheese blend or provolone would also work well as a topping.
What makes the shells tender?
Boiling the pasta shells according to the package instructions before stuffing ensures they are tender.
Can I add Parmesan cheese?
Yes, sprinkling Parmesan over the mozzarella before baking adds a nice salty finish.
Is this a good meal for kids?
Yes, children usually love the familiar combination of pasta, meatballs, and melted cheese.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, this recipe is very easy to double if you are feeding a larger family or hosting a dinner.