The Most Dreamy Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe Ever Made

Tender pasta shells overflowing with creamy ricotta promise a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug.

Italian comfort food doesn’t get more satisfying than these cheesy delights.

Twirling your fork through plump shells packed with smooth, rich cheese and herbs.

Soft ricotta blends perfectly with fresh basil and a hint of garlic, creating layers of mouth-watering flavor.

Each shell becomes a delectable pocket of goodness waiting to surprise you.

Melted mozzarella adds a golden, bubbly crown that makes this dish irresistible.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this classic Italian-inspired comfort classic.

What You’ll Use For Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large shells perfect for stuffing with rich, creamy filling. Look for high-quality pasta that holds its shape well.

• Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy blend that creates a luxurious and flavorful stuffing. Choose fresh, high-quality cheeses for best results.
• Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture and provides structure to the filling.

• Garlic: Adds deep, aromatic flavor to the cheese mixture. Fresh garlic provides the most intense taste.
• Basil, Parsley, Oregano: Fresh herbs that bring brightness and traditional Italian flavor to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall taste of the filling.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato sauce that complements the cheese-filled shells. Homemade or high-quality store-bought sauce works best.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley (Optional): Provides a fresh garnish and additional herb flavor when serving.

Easy Steps For Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Boil the Pasta Perfectly

Grab a big pot and fill it with water, adding a generous pinch of salt. Toss in the jumbo pasta shells and cook them until they’re tender but still have a slight bite. Once done, quickly drain and give them a cool water bath to stop the cooking. Spread the shells on an oily baking sheet so they don’t stick together like clingy friends.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Minced garlic
• Fresh basil
• Chopped parsley
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything together until it becomes a smooth, dreamy filling that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 3: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Let it heat up while you prep the rest.

Step 4: Create Sauce Magic

Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Carefully stuff each shell with your heavenly cheese mixture, nestling them into the sauce like cozy little boats. Pour the remaining marinara over the top, making sure every shell gets a nice sauce bath.

Step 5: Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven. Bake for 30 minutes, then unveil and sprinkle an extra handful of mozzarella on top. Pop it back in for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Pull out your masterpiece and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top if you’re feeling fancy. Serve piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure deliciousness!

Pro Cooking Tips For Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Prevent Pasta Stickiness: Rinse shells immediately with cold water and spread on a lightly oiled baking sheet to keep them separated and easy to stuff.
• Boost Cheese Flavor: Mix ricotta with multiple cheese types like mozzarella and Parmesan for a richer, more complex taste profile.
• Master Stuffing Technique: Use a small spoon or piping bag to fill shells evenly, avoiding overfilling that can cause uneven cooking.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular cheese for low-fat versions or use gluten-free pasta shells to accommodate different nutritional requirements.
• Enhance Herb Impact: Chop fresh herbs just before mixing to release maximum flavor and aroma into the ricotta filling.

Save And Warm Up Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled shells to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Freeze: Wrap the baking dish securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze stuffed shells for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Microwave Reheating: Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Cover the dish with foil to prevent excessive browning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C), ensuring the shells are heated thoroughly.

Great Sides With Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enhance the creamy ricotta shells with a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The wine's bright acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese and balances the tomato sauce perfectly.
• Complement with Fresh Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan. The peppery greens and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta dish.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread alongside the shells. The crispy, buttery bread helps soak up the extra marinara sauce and adds a delightful textural element to the meal.
• Add Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare a colorful medley of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. The caramelized vegetables bring depth and additional nutrition to the cheesy pasta experience.

What Makes Ricotta Stuffed Shells So Comforting

• Indulge in Cheesy Comfort: Ricotta stuffed shells offer a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth experience that wraps you in pure comfort food bliss.
• Quick and Easy Family Feast: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal that comes together in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Customizable Flavor Adventure: Easily swap herbs, add vegetables, or experiment with different cheese blends to make this dish uniquely yours, keeping dinner exciting and personal.
• Stress-Free Cooking Method: With straightforward steps and minimal prep, even novice cooks can confidently create a restaurant-quality dish that looks and tastes impressive.

Try These Twists On Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Mediterranean Herb Shell Explosion: Swap traditional herbs with fresh oregano, dill, and mint for a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile, adding crumbled feta cheese and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
• Spicy Southwest Shell Fiesta: Mix in diced green chiles, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper to the ricotta filling, top with pepper jack cheese, and garnish with fresh cilantro for a bold southwestern kick.
• Vegetable-Packed Power Shells: Incorporate roasted zucchini, spinach, and caramelized onions into the ricotta mixture, creating a nutrient-dense version that adds extra vegetables and depth to the classic recipe.
• Protein-Boosted Chicken Shell Upgrade: Blend shredded rotisserie chicken into the ricotta filling, sprinkle with smoked paprika, and include a layer of crispy bacon bits for a protein-rich, hearty meal option.

Top Questions About Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Can I make ricotta stuffed shells ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dish completely and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover tightly with foil and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when ready to cook.

• Is it possible to freeze ricotta stuffed shells?

Absolutely! Assemble the dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, and add extra baking time if needed.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

The recipe is already vegetarian! Simply ensure you’re using vegetarian cheeses and marinara sauce without meat. If you want added protein, consider mixing in some spinach or sautéed mushrooms into the ricotta filling.

• What if I don't have fresh herbs?

No problem! You can use dried herbs instead. As a general rule, use about 1/3 the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh herbs. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon fresh basil, use 1 teaspoon dried basil.

Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cheesy ricotta stuffed shells bring Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with rich, creamy goodness. Mediterranean flavors combine perfectly in this hearty pasta dish that invites you to savor each delightful, herb-infused bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells (plus a few extra in case of breakage)

Cheese and Filling:

• 15 ounces (425 grams) whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 2 cups (200 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Sauce and Topping:

• 3 cups (720 milliliters) marinara sauce
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta shells by immersing them in a generously salted boiling water bath. Gently cook until they reach a tender yet firm texture, then immediately transfer to an ice water bath to halt the cooking process. Arrange the shells on a lightly greased baking sheet to prevent adhesion.
2. Create a harmonious filling by blending ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses with a whisked egg. Incorporate minced garlic, chopped basil, parsley, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper, mixing until the ingredients form a smooth, cohesive mixture.
3. Preheat the culinary workspace to a consistent 375F, ensuring an optimal environment for baking.
4. Craft the foundation by spreading a layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a rectangular baking vessel. Delicately stuff each pasta shell with the prepared cheese mixture, positioning them carefully in the sauce-coated dish. Lavishly coat the shells with the remaining marinara, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Seal the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a protective barrier that traps moisture and heat. Allow the shells to bake for half an hour, then unveil and sprinkle an additional layer of mozzarella across the top. Continue baking until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
6. Rest the dish momentarily after removing from the oven, allowing the flavors to settle. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped herbs for a vibrant touch. Serve immediately while the cheese remains gloriously molten.

Notes

• Perfectly cook pasta shells by testing for al dente texture, ensuring they’re firm but not hard, preventing mushiness during baking.
• Use fresh herbs like basil and parsley for maximum flavor, chopping them finely to distribute evenly throughout the ricotta mixture.
• Control moisture by draining ricotta cheese on paper towels beforehand, preventing watery filling and maintaining a creamy consistency.
• Customize the dish for dietary needs by substituting dairy-free cheese alternatives or using gluten-free pasta shells for specific health requirements.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg