Easy Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe – Cheesy, Creamy & Perfect for Dinner

Ricotta stuffed shells are a timeless, comforting dish that can easily be a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings or dinner parties. This dish combines hearty jumbo pasta shells with a rich, creamy ricotta filling, topped with a flavorful marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a show-stopping meal to impress your guests, ricotta stuffed shells are a perfect choice.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the entire process of making ricotta stuffed shells, from the ingredients to the step-by-step directions. Plus, we’ll delve into some helpful tips, possible variations, and much more to help you make the best version of this dish!

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Ingredients for Ricotta Stuffed Shells

To make ricotta stuffed shells, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 19–20 jumbo pasta shells
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 large egg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

These ingredients are relatively simple to find and can be customized to suit your personal tastes. The spinach adds a touch of nutrition and color to the dish, while the cheese blend offers a creamy and indulgent filling.

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Step-by-Step Directions for Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s go through the process of preparing these delicious ricotta stuffed shells.

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the shells don’t stick during baking.

2. Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions. You’ll want them to be al dente so they don’t become too soft when baked. Once cooked, drain the shells and toss them with a little olive oil to prevent them from sticking together.

3. Sauté Garlic and Spinach

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the minced garlic in 1 teaspoon of olive oil for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the fresh spinach and cook it until it’s wilted (about 3 minutes). Remove the skillet from heat, drain the spinach to remove excess moisture, and let it cool before chopping it into smaller pieces.

4. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 2½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, egg, salt, pepper, and the chopped spinach. Stir everything together until well combined, creating a creamy and flavorful filling for your pasta shells.

5. Stuff the Shells

Next, carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture and place them in the prepared baking dish. Make sure the filled shells are arranged neatly in a single layer, over the marinara sauce that was spread across the bottom of the dish.

6. Add Cheese and Bake

Once all the shells are stuffed, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the shells. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.

7. Rest and Garnish

After baking, let the ricotta stuffed shells rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.

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Nutritional Information

One serving of ricotta stuffed shells (approximately 2 shells) contains:

• Calories: 549 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 63g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 7g

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings, so you can easily double or halve the recipe depending on how many people you’re serving.

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Tips for the Best Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Here are some tips to make sure your ricotta stuffed shells come out perfect every time:

1. Use Fresh Spinach

Fresh spinach wilts down beautifully and adds a rich green color to the dish. Be sure to drain the spinach well after cooking to prevent excess water from diluting the ricotta filling.

2. Experiment with Cheeses

If you prefer a different cheese profile, try adding a blend of ricotta and mascarpone for an extra creamy texture, or use a mix of mozzarella, fontina, and provolone for a more robust flavor.

3. Make It Ahead

Ricotta stuffed shells can be prepared a day ahead of time. Simply assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and follow the baking instructions.

4. Try Meat Options

For a heartier version of this dish, you can add ground beef, turkey, or sausage to the ricotta mixture. Brown the meat before adding it to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.

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FAQs About Ricotta Stuffed Shells

1. Can I use other types of pasta instead of jumbo shells?

While jumbo pasta shells are traditional for this dish, you can use other pasta shapes like manicotti or even cannelloni tubes. Just make sure the pasta is large enough to hold the filling.

2. Can I freeze ricotta stuffed shells?

Yes, ricotta stuffed shells can be frozen! To do so, prepare the dish as usual but don’t bake it. Instead, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze it. When you’re ready to eat, bake from frozen (just increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes).

3. How do I store leftovers?

If you have leftover ricotta stuffed shells, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven until heated through.

4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian since it doesn’t contain meat. If you’re looking to add more veggies, consider adding mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the ricotta filling for extra flavor and nutrients.

5. Can I use low-fat ricotta cheese?

Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter version of ricotta stuffed shells, you can use low-fat or part-skim ricotta cheese. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly less creamy.

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Conclusion

Ricotta stuffed shells are a classic comfort food that combines the richness of cheese, the freshness of spinach, and the savory goodness of marinara sauce. This dish is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or preparing a dish to impress guests, these ricotta stuffed shells will surely be a hit. Plus, with options to customize the filling and add your favorite vegetables or meats, it’s a meal that can be adjusted to suit any dietary preference.

Now that you have the step-by-step recipe, tips, and answers to frequently asked questions, it’s time to try making ricotta stuffed shells for yourself. Enjoy!

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