Easy Ricotta Stuffed Shells Dinner Recipes

I love making easy ricotta stuffed shells for my family. It’s a classic comfort food that always impresses. The dish has a rich, creamy filling, tender pasta, and a flavorful marinara sauce. It’s a family favorite for sure.

Making stuffed shell recipes easy is all about the right ingredients and a simple recipe. In this article, I’ll share my tips for perfect easy ricotta stuffed shells. I’ll also show you how to make a delicious marinara sauce to go with it.

Key Takeaways

• Easy ricotta stuffed shells are a classic comfort food dish that can be made with various ingredients.
• Marinara stuffed shells are a great way to add flavor to your dish.
• Stuffed shell recipes easy to make are perfect for weeknight meals.
• The recipe requires 1 hour to prepare and cook, with 30 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cook time.
• The dish serves 4 people, with 18 to 20 jumbo pasta shells needed.
• The average rating of the recipe is 4.93 from 203 votes, making it a tried and true favorite.

Why You’ll Love These Easy Ricotta Stuffed Shells

I love making ricotta stuffed shells for my family. They’re perfect for family dinners. You can use unstuffed pasta shells and fill them with a tasty ricotta cheese mix. This makes them stuffed cheesy shells.

This dish is also great for busy weeknights. You can prepare the shells ahead of time. Then, bake them when you’re ready.

The benefits of making ricotta stuffed shells are many. They’re budget-friendly and easy to make. Plus, you can customize them to fit your family’s tastes. Here are some reasons why you’ll love this dish:

• Perfect for family dinners: Ricotta stuffed shells are a great option for family dinners. They’re easy to serve and can be made in large quantities.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time. Then, bake them when you’re ready. This makes them a great option for busy weeknights.
• Budget-friendly: This dish is budget-friendly. You can use affordable ingredients like ricotta cheese and pasta shells. This makes a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ricotta stuffed shells are not only delicious and easy to make. They’re also a nutritious option. Each serving has about 325 calories, 18g of protein, and 4g of fiber. This makes them a great choice for a healthy and balanced meal.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Stuffed Shells

To make delicious stuffed shells and meatballs, you’ll need a few key ingredients. A recipe like paula deen stuffed shells is a great starting point. You’ll need jumbo pasta shells, ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. You can also add meatballs or sausage for extra flavor and texture.

Here’s a list of the essential ingredients you’ll need:

• Jumbo pasta shells
• Ricotta cheese
• Marinara sauce
• Mozzarella cheese

These ingredients will help you make a classic stuffed shells dish. You can also customize it by adding frozen chopped spinach or skipping mushrooms.

By using these ingredients and following a simple recipe, you can make a delicious paula deen stuffed shells dish. It’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With practice and experimentation, you can create unforgettable stuffed shells and meatballs.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To make delicious baked stuffed shells ricotta, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools and equipment. Having the right tools can make a big difference in cooking. It’s important to have a well-equipped kitchen for stuffed ricotta shells with meat sauce.

Before we dive into the list of necessary tools, let’s consider the importance of each item. A large pot for cooking pasta shells, a baking dish for baking the shells, and a spoon for filling the shells are all must-haves. You may also want to invest in some optional but helpful tools, such as a pastry bag or a cookie scoop, to make the process easier and more efficient.

Basic Equipment

• Large pot for cooking pasta shells
• Baking dish for baking the shells
• Spoon for filling the shells

Optional but Helpful Tools

• Pastry bag for filling the shells
• Cookie scoop for portioning the ricotta mixture

Having these tools on hand will make preparing baked stuffed shells ricotta a breeze. With the right equipment, you’ll be able to create delicious stuffed ricotta shells with meat sauce that are sure to impress your family and friends.

Now that we’ve covered the necessary kitchen tools and equipment, let’s move on to the next step in preparing our delicious baked stuffed shells ricotta.

Preparing the Perfect Ricotta Filling

To make delicious easy stuffed shells, you need the perfect ricotta filling. Choose the right cheese blend and season it well. Use ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese for the best taste.

When picking your cheese, start with 32 oz. of ricotta and 6.5 oz. of Parmesan. Add 8 oz. of mozzarella too. Season it with basil, oregano, and other herbs for extra flavor.

Key Ingredients for the Filling

• 32 oz. ricotta cheese
• 6.5 oz. Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz. mozzarella cheese
• 2 tsp. minced garlic
• 1 Tbsp. dried parsley
• 1 Tbsp. dried basil
• 1 tsp. dry oregano

Follow these tips and use the right ingredients for a creamy ricotta filling. Your stuffed shells will be a hit with everyone. It’s a tasty and satisfying meal to enjoy.

Step-by-Step Shell Stuffing Guide

To make stuffed shells with ricotta and meat or stuffed shells with spinach and ricotta, start by cooking the pasta shells. Make sure they’re al dente. Let them cool down. Then, fill the shells with ricotta using a spoon or a pastry bag.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:

• Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions.
• Prepare the ricotta filling by mixing it with the desired ingredients, such as meat or spinach.
• Fill the cooled pasta shells with the ricotta mixture.
• Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish and cover them with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.

By following these steps, you can create delicious stuffed shells with ricotta and meat or stuffed shells with spinach and ricotta. They’re perfect for any occasion.

Making the Marinara Sauce

Marinara sauce is key for tasty stuffed shells. You can make your own homemade marinara sauce or buy a store-bought marinara sauce. Making your own sauce means you control the ingredients and flavor. It also takes time and effort.

Using a store-bought marinara sauce saves time. Here are some choices:

• Make your own homemade marinara sauce using fresh tomatoes and herbs
• Use a high-quality store-bought marinara sauce made with premium ingredients
• Customize your sauce by adding your own herbs and spices

Choose a sauce that’s made with quality ingredients and tastes rich and tangy. You can also add your own herbs and spices.

You can customize the sauce with garlic, olive oil, and basil. The choice between homemade marinara sauce and store-bought marinara sauce depends on your preference and time.

Baking and Serving Instructions

To get perfectly baked stuffed shells, preheat your oven to 350°F. Put the stuffed shells in a 9 x 13 inches baking dish. Cover them with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.

The secret to a great stuffed shells recipe easy is baking them for 20-25 minutes. They should be golden brown, with melted and bubbly cheese.

Here are some key tips for baking and serving:

• Use 12 ounces of jumbo pasta shells and 30 ounces of whipped cottage cheese or ricotta cheese for the best results.
• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes of baking to prevent the top from burning.
• Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.

Once the baked stuffed shells are done, take them out of the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes. Serve hot, with fresh basil leaves and Parmesan cheese on top.

This stuffed shells recipe easy is great for any day or a special event. It can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for 3-5 months.

Delicious Variations to Try

Stuffed shells are great because you can make them your own. For a meaty dish, try adding ground beef or sausage to the ricotta. This makes the filling rich and savory.

For a vegetarian choice, add fresh spinach to the ricotta. This gives it a healthy twist. You can also mix different cheeses like mozzarella and parmesan or ricotta and feta.

Meat Lover’s Version

This version is great for meat lovers. Add ground beef or sausage to the ricotta. Then, top it with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.

Vegetarian Options

Vegetarians will love this version. Add fresh spinach to the ricotta. Top it with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. You can also add mushrooms or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.

Cheese Combinations

Try different cheese mixes to find your favorite. Options include mozzarella and parmesan, ricotta and feta, or cheddar and mozzarella. The goal is to find a mix that melts well and tastes great.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing and reheating stuffed shells right is key to keeping them fresh and tasty. For stuffed shells storage, you can refrigerate or freeze them. Refrigeration works best for short-term, while freezing is better for longer storage.

To refrigerate, put the stuffed shells in an airtight container. Keep them at 40°F or below. They can stay in the fridge for 3-5 days. For freezing, put the shells on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, move them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen shells can last 3-6 months.

For stuffed shells reheating, use the oven or microwave. To reheat in the oven, place the shells in a covered dish at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. For the microwave, put the shells in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 30-60 seconds. Always follow proper reheating steps for safety and quality.

Here are some extra tips for storing and reheating stuffed shells:

• Always check the shells for any signs of spoilage before reheating.
• Use a food thermometer to ensure the shells are heated to a safe internal temperature.
• Reheat the shells until they’re hot and steaming, but avoid overcooking.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When making stuffed shells, some common problems can arise. These include overcooking the pasta or underseasoning the filling. To avoid these stuffed shells problems, it’s essential to follow some troubleshooting tips.

If you’ve overcooked the pasta, you can try adding more sauce or cheese to the filling. This can help balance the texture.

Another common issue is using low-quality ingredients. This can affect the overall taste and texture of the dish. To avoid this, try using fresh and high-quality ingredients, such as whole milk ricotta cheese and fresh spinach.

Straining the ricotta cheese for at least 1-2 hours can help reduce excess moisture. This prevents a watery filling.

For effective stuffed shells troubleshooting, consider the following tips:

• Cook pasta shells to al dente to prevent overcooking
• Use a thicker sauce to prevent excess moisture
• Don’t overfill the shells to avoid cheese oozing out during baking

By following these tips, you can avoid common stuffed shells problems and enjoy a delicious, homemade Italian dish. Remember to also let the dish rest for about 10-15 minutes after baking. This allows the moisture to settle and the flavors to meld together.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our exploration of easy ricotta stuffed shells, I’m sure you’re eager to start cooking. These creamy, cheesy shells are a hit with everyone. They also let you get creative in the kitchen.

Choosing the right sauce is key to making these shells delicious. You can stick with classic marinara or try something new. The secret is finding the perfect mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and spices. This way, you’ll make a dish that everyone will love.

Now it’s your turn to be the chef! Try out different fillings, sauces, and toppings to find your family’s favorite. Remember, stuffed shells are great for making ahead and freezing. Enjoy the easy prep and the comforting taste of this classic dish.

FAQ

What are the essential ingredients for making perfect stuffed shells?

To make perfect stuffed shells, you need jumbo pasta shells, ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. You can also add meatballs or sausage for extra flavor and texture.

What kitchen tools and equipment are needed to make stuffed shells?

You’ll need a large pot for cooking pasta, a baking dish for baking, and a spoon for filling. A pastry bag or cookie scoop can make the process easier.

How do I prepare the perfect ricotta filling for the stuffed shells?

Choose a high-quality cheese blend with ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Season with herbs and spices like basil and oregano. Mix until smooth and creamy.

How do I make the marinara sauce for the stuffed shells?

You can make your own sauce with fresh tomatoes and herbs, or use store-bought. Use quality ingredients and cook slowly for the best flavor.

How do I bake and serve the stuffed shells?

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the shells in a dish, cover with sauce and cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Garnish with herbs or Parmesan.

Can I customize the stuffed shells to suit my taste preferences?

Yes, you can customize the shells. Add ground beef or sausage for meat lovers. Vegetarians can add spinach or mushrooms. Try different cheese combinations too.

How do I store and reheat leftover stuffed shells?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

What are some common issues that can arise when making stuffed shells, and how can I fix them?

Overcooked pasta? Add more sauce or cheese. Underseasoned filling? Add herbs or spices. Use better ingredients next time.