Easy Stuffed Shells with Ricotta Cheese Recipe

Stuffed Shells with Ricotta Cheese: Creamy, Cheesy Perfection

As the smell of marinara sauce and melted cheese fills the air, I’m taken back to my grandmother’s kitchen on Sundays. She’d carefully fill each pasta shell with a creamy ricotta mix. This memory fills my heart with warmth and nostalgia.

Stuffed shells have a special way of bringing people together. They create moments of joy and satisfaction. It’s a classic Italian comfort food that everyone loves.

Key Takeaways

• Stuffed shells are a classic Italian comfort food made with jumbo pasta shells, ricotta cheese filling, and marinara sauce.
• This recipe features a flavorful filling with ricotta, fresh spinach, lemon zest, and seasonings.
• The dish is easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for dinner parties or family meals.
• The recipe yields a satisfying serving size of 4 people, with options to scale up for larger groups.
• Baking the stuffed shells in a delicious marinara sauce creates a saucy, cheesy, and delectable final dish.

Understanding Classic Italian Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shells are a favorite in Italian-American cuisine. They mix creamy cheese with the cozy feel of pasta shells. This dish comes from Italy and has become a comfort food in the U.S.

Origins and Traditional Preparation

Stuffed shells come from Italy’s rich pasta history. Italian cooks fill large pasta shells with ricotta cheese, herbs, and sometimes meat or veggies.

Why This Comfort Food Remains Popular

Stuffed shells are loved for their comfort and taste. They mix pasta, cheese, and tomato sauce for a tasty meal. They’re great as a main dish or part of an Italian feast.

Key Features of Perfect Stuffed Shells

Great stuffed shells have al dente pasta, creamy cheese, and just the right sauce. The filling should be smooth, and the sauce should enhance the pasta. When baked, the cheese and sauce make a dish that looks and tastes amazing.

“Stuffed shells are the ultimate in Italian comfort food – the perfect blend of al dente pasta, creamy cheese, and savory sauce.”

Essential Ingredients for Stuffed Shells with Ricotta Cheese

Making the perfect stuffed shells starts with the right ingredients. At the heart are jumbo pasta shells, creamy ricotta cheese, and flavorful marinara sauce. We’ll also add fresh herbs, garlic, and other optional mix-ins to boost the flavors.

The key components you’ll need for this recipe include:

• Jumbo Pasta Shells – Approximately 10-12 oz package, providing about 18 shells for the dish.
• Ricotta Cheese – 15 oz of whole milk ricotta cheese for the filling.
• Marinara Sauce – A 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, seasoned with olive oil, dried basil, and a bay leaf.
• Fresh Herbs – Chopped fresh basil and parsley to enhance the flavor profile.
• Parmesan Cheese – 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan to add richness to the filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese – 8 oz divided, with some for the topping and some mixed into the filling.
• Egg – 1 large egg to help bind the ricotta filling.
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced, to infuse the filling with savory flavor.

With these ingredients, you’re on your way to making a delicious stuffed shells dish. It’s sure to please your family.

By carefully selecting and measuring these essential ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delectable and satisfying stuffed shells dish. It’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Preparing the Perfect Ricotta Cheese Filling

Making the perfect ricotta cheese filling is key to great stuffed shells. We mix together the ricotta mixture, which includes ricotta cheese, Parmesan, eggs, and herbs like parsley and basil. Adding a bit of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes makes the flavor richer.

Mixing the Cheese Blend

In a big bowl, we mix the ricotta mixture with 1.5 cups of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, and 0.5 cups of Parmesan. We whisk in a large egg to make the filling smooth and creamy. Some people also use a mix of ricotta and cottage cheese for an even smoother texture.

Adding Herb Seasonings

We add 2 cloves of minced garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the ricotta mixture for extra flavor. Chopped parsley and basil make the filling creamy and fragrant.

Optional Filling Variations

• For a richer filling variation, add sautéed spinach, Italian sausage, or ground beef to the ricotta.
• A bit of lemon zest can add a bright, citrusy flavor to the ricotta mixture.
• Try different herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary to change up the herb seasonings.

With these steps, we can make a delightful ricotta cheese filling that will make our stuffed shells even better.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making our delicious stuffed shells with ricotta cheese is easy and fun. Here’s how to make this classic Italian dish:

1. Start by cooking the jumbo pasta shells as the package says. Boil them until they’re al dente, which takes about 8-10 minutes.
2. While the shells cook, let’s make the ricotta cheese filling. In a bowl, mix the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
3. Heat your oven to 350°F-425°F.
4. Put a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
5. Use a spoon or piping bag to fill each shell with the ricotta mix. Then, put them in the baking dish.
6. After stuffing all the shells, cover them with more marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake the shells for 20-25 minutes. They’re done when the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly.
8. Take the dish out of the oven. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley. Serve it hot.

By following these easy steps, you’ll make a tasty pasta dish. It’s perfect for a satisfying Italian meal.

“These stuffed shells are the ultimate comfort food. The creamy ricotta filling and the tangy marinara sauce create a heavenly combination that will have your family coming back for seconds.”

With the right steps, you can make Italian flavors at home. Enjoy your homemade stuffed shells with ricotta cheese!

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage Guidelines

Preparing comfort foods like stuffed shells can be a breeze. Our ricotta-filled pasta shells are easy to make and perfect for meal prep. Let’s explore how to make this dish more convenient.

Freezing Instructions

Stuffed shells can be frozen for later. Assemble the unbaked shells in a dish, cover with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Reheating Methods

Leftover stuffed shells last up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warm. For a crispy texture, reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes.

Meal Prep Strategies

1. Make the full batch and divide into servings before baking. This makes reheating easy throughout the week.
2. Double the recipe and freeze half for later. Thaw and bake when you want a make-ahead meal.
3. Assemble the shells in advance but bake on the day you serve. Enjoy fresh-baked stuffed shells whenever you like.

Use these tips to enjoy stuffed shells with ricotta cheese anytime. Prepare, freeze, and reheat for delicious meals with little effort.

Conclusion

Stuffed shells with ricotta cheese are a family-friendly meal that brings Italian-inspired cuisine to our tables. This comfort food classic is easy to make and customizable. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Whether you like a traditional tomato sauce or something new, these stuffed shells are delicious. By chilling and cooking them right, you get a perfect texture and flavor. Your family and friends will love it.

Stuffed shells with ricotta cheese are a great example of versatile dishes. They show how Italian recipes can fit our tastes and preferences. Let’s enjoy this comforting dish and find new ways to make it our own.