Description

Dive into the comforting world of stuffed shells ricotta, where each jumbo pasta shell is filled with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, then baked in rich marinara sauce. This delightful dish is perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, offering a blend of flavors that will make your taste buds sing. With its gorgeous presentation and customizable filling options, stuffed shells are sure to be a hit on any dining table.

Ingredients

Scale

12 jumbo pasta shells
1 cup ricotta cheese (well-drained)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
1 large egg
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Boil water in a large pot with salt. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Stuff each shell with about two tablespoons of the cheese mixture.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
Arrange filled shells in a single layer over the sauce. Pour remaining marinara sauce over them and sprinkle with extra mozzarella.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (about 220g)
Calories: 350
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, consider mixing spinach into the cheese filling or using cottage cheese instead of ricotta. - Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving for an extra pop of color. - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days or frozen for later enjoyment.