Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

There's nothing quite like a warm, cheesy plate of Ricotta Stuffed Shells fresh out of the oven. The rich, creamy ricotta filling tucked inside tender pasta shells, smothered in marinara sauce and baked to perfection, is pure comfort food.

this Recipe

I first fell in love with this dish at a cozy little Italian restaurant, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. After a few tweaks and taste tests, I landed on a version that’s now a family favorite. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions.

Why You'll Love This Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to Italian dinner. This Ricotta Stuffed Shells recipe is everything you want in a baked pasta dish—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.

• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor – You only need a handful of basic pantry staples and fresh dairy to create a meal that tastes restaurant-quality.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble the shells ahead of time and pop them in the fridge or freezer for an easy meal when you need it.
• Great for Feeding a Crowd – This dish is hearty and filling, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal trains.
• Customizable – You can switch up the filling, sauce, and toppings to suit your taste (or whatever you have on hand).

Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, these stuffed shells are a guaranteed hit!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Ricotta Stuffed Shells lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

• Jumbo Pasta Shells – These large shells are designed to hold the ricotta filling perfectly. Be sure to cook them al dente so they don’t fall apart when stuffing.
• Ricotta Cheese – The star of the filling! Choose a high-quality whole milk ricotta for the best creamy texture and flavor.
• Parmesan & Mozzarella Cheese – Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth, while shredded mozzarella melts beautifully for that irresistible cheesy topping.
• Egg – Helps bind the ricotta filling, giving it a smooth, rich texture.
• Garlic & Italian Seasoning – These add classic Italian flavors that make the filling extra delicious.
• Marinara Sauce – Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara to coat the shells in rich, tangy tomato goodness.
• Fresh Basil & Parsley – A sprinkle of fresh herbs at the end brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color.

Special Equipment

You'll need a 9x13-inch baking dish, a large mixing bowl, and a piping bag or spoon to fill the shells easily.

How To Make Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Making Ricotta Stuffed Shells is easier than you might think! Follow these step-by-step instructions for a flawless, cheesy masterpiece.

1. Cook the Pasta Shells
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo shells and cook 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions (they’ll finish cooking in the oven). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
2. Prepare the Ricotta Filling
   In a large bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
3. Fill the Shells
   Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Use a spoon or a piping bag to fill each shell with the ricotta mixture, then place them snugly in the dish.
4. Assemble & Bake
   Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
5. Garnish & Serve
   Let the shells rest for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh basil and parsley, and enjoy with a side of garlic bread or a crisp salad.

Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Storage Options

Have leftovers? No problem! Ricotta Stuffed Shells store beautifully, making them a great option for meal prep.

• Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing (Unbaked) – Assemble the shells in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
• Freezing (Baked) – Let the shells cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
• Reheating – Microwave individual portions or reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Ricotta Stuffed Shells is how easy it is to customize! Here are a few tasty variations to try:

• Meaty Version – Add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the marinara sauce for a heartier dish.
• Spinach & Ricotta – Stir chopped, sautéed spinach into the ricotta filling for a fresh, veggie-packed twist.
• Alfredo Stuffed Shells – Swap marinara for creamy Alfredo sauce for an extra indulgent variation.
• Dairy-Free Option – Use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella for a lactose-free version.
• Gluten-Free – Substitute regular shells with gluten-free pasta shells, available at many grocery stores.

The possibilities are endless! Feel free to mix and match ingredients to make this dish your own.

Final Thoughts

Ricotta Stuffed Shells are a classic comfort food that never disappoints. Whether you're making it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Try it out and let me know how it turns out! What’s your favorite way to customize stuffed shells? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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