Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe
When comfort meets culinary creativity, ricotta stuffed shells emerge as a weeknight hero that'll transform your dinner routine. You'll want to master this classic Italian-American dish that balances creamy cheese and hearty marinara with surprising ease. Each jumbo shell promises a pocket of rich, seasoned ricotta that'll have your family asking for seconds. Curious about crafting the perfect stuffed shell that looks impressive but requires minimal expertise? Let's unpack the secrets to this crowd-pleasing recipe that's simpler than you might imagine.
Recipe Highlights
- Gather essential ingredients: jumbo pasta shells, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning for a classic Italian-American stuffed shells recipe.
- Cook pasta shells al dente for 8-9 minutes, then carefully stuff with a mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and seasonings.
- Prepare the baking dish by spreading marinara sauce, arranging stuffed shells, and topping with additional sauce and cheese.
- Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until cheese is golden brown and the dish is bubbling hot.
- Enhance flavor by using fresh ingredients, garnishing with herbs, and serving alongside a side salad or garlic bread.
History
Although pasta shells might seem like a modern culinary invention, they actually trace their roots deep into Italian-American cooking traditions. You'll find that these delightful pasta pockets emerged from immigrant communities seeking to recreate familiar flavors from their homeland.
Italian families adapted classic European pasta techniques, transforming simple ingredients into comforting dishes that became staples in American kitchens. The stuffed shells you know today evolved from traditional Italian recipes, specifically from regions like Sicily and Campania.
Ricotta cheese, a key ingredient, was readily available and affordable, making these shells an economical yet delicious meal. Immigrants brought these recipes across the Atlantic, adapting them with local ingredients and cooking methods.
Recipe
Ricotta Stuffed Shells are a delightful Italian-American dish that combines creamy cheese with perfectly cooked pasta shells. This comforting meal brings together simple ingredients to create a satisfying and elegant dinner that's sure to please the whole family.
The key to making exceptional stuffed shells lies in the quality of ingredients and careful preparation. By using fresh ricotta, a blend of cheeses, and a flavorful marinara sauce, home cooks can easily transform a few basic components into a restaurant-worthy meal.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
- 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning blend
- Salt and pepper to taste
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the pasta shells until they're al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the shells and let them cool on a clean kitchen towel, being careful not to tear them.
While the shells are cooling, prepare the cheese filling by combining ricotta, half the mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
Preheat the oven to 375°F and spread half the marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the ricotta mixture and arrange them in the baking dish.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For the best results, let the stuffed shells rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make serving easier. This resting period helps prevent the filling from spilling out and allows the flavors to meld together.
Additionally, avoid overcooking the pasta shells during the initial boiling, as they'll continue to soften during baking.
Cooking Steps
You'll want to start by carefully boiling the pasta shells until they're just al dente, ensuring they maintain a slight firmness that'll help them hold their shape during baking.
Next, create your creamy ricotta mixture by combining the cheese, half the mozzarella, and Italian seasoning, then gently stuff each shell with this flavorful filling.
Finally, arrange the stuffed shells in your prepared baking dish, top with the remaining marinara sauce and cheese, and bake until the top turns a beautiful golden brown with bubbling, melted cheese.
Step 1. Boil Pasta Shells Carefully
When preparing ricotta stuffed shells, precision in boiling pasta is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
You'll want to follow these key steps to ensure your shells are cooked just right. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then gently add the jumbo shells.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook for 8-9 minutes, checking for an al dente consistency. Look for shells that are slightly firm but not hard, as they'll continue cooking in the oven. Test a shell by cutting it in half; it should have a thin, barely visible white line in the center.
Drain immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Spread the shells on a clean kitchen towel to cool and dry, preventing them from sticking together and ensuring they're ready for stuffing.
Step 2. Mix Ricotta Cheese Mixture
Grab a spacious mixing bowl and prepare to transform simple ingredients into a creamy, aromatic filling that'll make your stuffed shells irresistible.
Pour the 15-ounce container of whole milk ricotta into the bowl, creating a smooth, white base for your mixture. Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, stirring gently to distribute the cheese evenly.
Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning, which will infuse your filling with classic Mediterranean herbs and depth of flavor. Use a fork or spatula to combine ingredients thoroughly, ensuring no dry pockets of seasoning remain.
Your mixture should look creamy, with visible specks of herbs throughout. Aim for a consistent texture that's spreadable but not runny, perfect for stuffing those waiting pasta shells.
Step 3. Arrange Shells in Baking Dish
After blending the ricotta mixture to creamy perfection, prepare your baking dish for the next exciting step in creating these delectable stuffed shells.
Spread half the marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a vibrant red base that'll prevent sticking and add flavor.
Carefully position each stuffed shell into the sauce, arranging them:
- Seam-side up
- Slightly separated
- In neat, uniform rows
Fill the dish methodically, ensuring each shell sits snugly but not overcrowded. The shells should touch but not overlap, allowing even heat distribution during baking.
Gently spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, covering them partially to keep the pasta moist.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty finish that'll make your dish irresistible.
Step 4. Top With Remaining Cheese
Since the shells are now nestled in marinara sauce, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese generously across the top of the dish.
You'll want an even layer that covers most of the shells, leaving just a few peek through for visual appeal. The goal is creating a golden, bubbling cheese topping that'll make your mouth water.
Distribute the cheese in a consistent pattern:
- Start from the center and work outwards
- Use gentle, sweeping motions
- Aim for complete but not overwhelming coverage
Pay attention to cheese distribution, ensuring no single area is too thick or thin.
The melted mozzarella will create a beautiful, appetizing golden-brown crust during baking, transforming your stuffed shells from good to irresistible.
This final cheese layer adds richness and a professional finishing touch to your Italian-inspired masterpiece.
Step 5. Bake Until Golden Brown
With the shells carefully arranged and blanketed in a generous layer of mozzarella, you're ready to transform this dish from assembled ingredients to a bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece.
Slide the baking dish into a preheated 375°F oven, positioning the rack in the center for even heat distribution. Set your timer for 25-30 minutes, watching for key visual cues:
- Cheese melting and turning golden at the edges
- Sauce beginning to bubble around the shells
- Top developing a slightly crisp, bronzed appearance
Check doneness by inserting a knife near the center; it should come out hot to the touch. The cheese should look molten and slightly puffy, with a rich, appetizing color.
Once achieved, remove from the oven and let rest 5-10 minutes, allowing the cheese to set and flavors to meld perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a pasta novice, these ricotta stuffed shells offer a delightful culinary adventure that's both simple and impressive.
You'll find this dish provides a perfect balance of comfort and sophistication, transforming basic ingredients into a memorable meal. The key is precision: carefully stuff each shell, distribute sauce evenly, and monitor baking time to achieve that golden, bubbly cheese top.
Pro tips for success:
- Let the dish rest after baking
- Use fresh ingredients
- Don't overcook pasta shells
- Experiment with herb variations
Your potential for culinary creativity shines through this adaptable recipe. With practice, you'll master the technique, impressing family and friends with a classic Italian-American favorite that feels both homemade and restaurant-quality.
