Why Make This Recipe
Stuffed shells are a comforting and delicious dish that everyone loves. They offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures with creamy cheese and hearty pasta. This recipe for stuffed shells with ricotta is easy to make and great for a family dinner or a special occasion. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra cheese!
How to Make Delicious Stuffed Shells
Ingredients:
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, cream cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the cheese mixture.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish and cover with the remaining marinara sauce.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot.
How to Serve Delicious Stuffed Shells
Serve these stuffed shells hot out of the oven. They pair nicely with a side salad or garlic bread. You can also sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs on top for added flavor.
How to Store Delicious Stuffed Shells
If you have leftovers, let the stuffed shells cool completely. Then, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Tips to Make Delicious Stuffed Shells
- Make sure the pasta shells are cooked just until al dente. Overcooking might cause them to break when stuffing.
- Feel free to customize the cheese filling by adding cooked spinach or mushrooms.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
Variation
You can substitute the marinara sauce with Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist. You can also use other types of cheese, like feta or provolone, for different flavors.
FAQs
Q: Can I make stuffed shells ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells and assemble them in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate them. Bake when ready to serve.
Q: Can I freeze stuffed shells?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze them before baking. Just wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to three months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time.
Q: What can I serve with stuffed shells?
A: Stuffed shells go well with a simple salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Stuffed Shells with Ricotta
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, cream cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the cheese mixture.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish and cover with the remaining marinara sauce.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot.