Cheesy Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells
Indulge in my take on the classic Ricotta Stuffed Shells, a comforting pasta dish that's perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Inspired by my mom’s traditional recipe with a personalized twist, these stuffed shells are filled with a creamy ricotta mixture that complements the rich, flavorful marinara sauce. Though I kept the sauce simple to cater to my pregnancy cravings, feel free to add veggies like zucchini or stewed tomatoes when you're ready for heartier flavors! This dish serves four to six hungry adults, with the possibility of leftovers—though I doubt you'll have many! I've also included an amazing marinara sauce recipe that works wonderfully for meatball subs, so it’s versatile for any meal. Perfect for pasta lovers, these stuffed shells are sure to become a family favorite.
N/A
Servings
267
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
jumbo pasta shells
12 ounces (Cook according to package instructions.)
grated Parmesan cheese
1/8 cup (For topping.)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (For sautéing.)
onion
1/4 cup (Chopped finely.)
garlic cloves
2 (Minced.)
four cheese tomato sauce
15 ounces (Canned.)
parsley
1 tablespoon (Fresh or dried.)
sugar
2 teaspoons (For flavor enhancement.)
basil
1 teaspoon (Dried.)
oregano
1 teaspoon (Dried.)
ricotta cheese
8 ounces (For filling.)
mozzarella cheese
4 ounces (Grated, for filling.)
egg
1 (Beaten.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Once finished, drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
3
In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until golden and fragrant.
4
Stir in the four cheese tomato sauce along with parsley, sugar, basil, and oregano. Let simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5
In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated mozzarella, egg, and remaining parsley. Mix until smooth and creamy.
6
Spread half of your homemade marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
7
Stuff each shell with the ricotta mixture, placing them open-side down in a single layer over the sauce.
8
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
9
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes for a bubbly, golden topping.
Nutrition Information
12.5
Fat
28.3
Carbs
10
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary filling for these stuffed pasta shells?
The filling consists of a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese, grated mozzarella, a beaten egg, and parsley.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe serves four to six hungry adults.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
What is the total baking time for the Cheesy Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells?
The dish bakes for a total of 55 minutes: 45 minutes covered with foil and an additional 10 minutes uncovered.
What size baking dish is required for this recipe?
A 9x13 inch baking dish is recommended.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, you can customize the dish by adding vegetables like zucchini or stewed tomatoes to the sauce for heartier flavors.
How do I prevent the pasta shells from sticking after boiling?
After draining the cooked shells, rinse them with cold water to prevent them from sticking together.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Jumbo pasta shells are used to ensure there is enough room for the cheese filling.
What are the nutritional values for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 267 calories, 12.5g of fat, 28.3g of carbohydrates, and 10g of protein.
Is the marinara sauce made from scratch?
The recipe uses a 15-ounce can of four cheese tomato sauce as a base, which is then enhanced with fresh onion, garlic, sugar, and herbs.
How long should the sauce simmer before assembly?
The sauce should simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
How should the shells be placed in the baking dish?
The stuffed shells should be placed open-side down in a single layer over the bottom layer of sauce.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
Grated Parmesan cheese is sprinkled over the top before baking.
Why is an egg added to the ricotta mixture?
The egg acts as a binder, helping the ricotta and mozzarella mixture stay together inside the shell during the baking process.
How much ricotta cheese is needed?
You will need 8 ounces of ricotta cheese.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, the recipe allows for either fresh or dried parsley, and dried basil and oregano are specifically mentioned.
What other uses are suggested for the marinara sauce recipe?
The sauce is versatile and works wonderfully for meatball subs.
How many garlic cloves are used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to the sauce?
Two teaspoons of sugar are added for flavor enhancement and to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Is this a vegetarian recipe?
Yes, as written, this is a vegetarian-friendly pasta dish.
How much mozzarella is required?
The recipe requires 4 ounces of grated mozzarella cheese for the filling.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While not explicitly stated, stuffed shells are generally excellent for meal prep and can be assembled and refrigerated before baking.
How do I know when the shells are finished baking?
The shells are done when the sauce is bubbly and the cheese topping is golden.
What are the primary tags associated with this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as pasta, stuffed shells, ricotta, marinara, cheesy, comfort food, Italian, and easy dinner.
How much olive oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How many jumbo shells are in a 12-ounce package?
While the exact count varies by brand, a 12-ounce package typically contains about 30 to 40 jumbo shells.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
The recipe is inspired by the author's mom's traditional recipe with a personalized twist.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a comforting dish perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
How much onion is needed for the sauce?
You need 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion.
Are there many leftovers typically expected?
The author notes that while leftovers are possible, they are unlikely because the dish is so popular!