Jumbo Shells Stuffed with Creamy Ricotta

Comfort food at its finest! These stuffed shells with ricotta are creamy, cheesy, and surprisingly easy. A secret ingredient makes them extra special. Get the recipe now!

Craving Comfort? Get Ready for Stuffed Shells with Ricotta!

Honestly, who doesn’t love pasta? And these stuffed shells with ricotta ? Absolute game-changer. This recipe is all about cheesy, comforting goodness. This dish is pure comfort food.

Where’d This Come From, Anyway?

This isn’t some fancy-pants, michelin-star thing. it's proper italian-american fare. this stuffed shells recipe comes from the heart. it's the kind of dish your nonna would whip up on a sunday afternoon, you know? it’s straightforward enough for a weeknight but feels special enough for a dinner party.

It's a goodie. you'll get about 6 servings from this one.

Why You Need These In Your Life

Okay, so, besides the fact that they taste amazing, what's the deal? well, ricotta is packed with protein and calcium.

It's not just tasty. it is pretty good for you. these ricotta recipes can be a delightful choice. think about serving these for a casual get-together.

Your friends will love you for it, promise! trust me, once you try these, they'll become a regular in your meal rotation.

The Filling – The Heart Of It All

Let's get real. it’s all about that creamy, cheesy filling, isn’t it? we’re talking about a mix of whole milk ricotta.

And the filling is a symphony of flavours. and you will also use parmesan, pecorino romano, egg, parsley and of course, seasoning! mamma mia.

It brings everything together. i once tried using low-fat ricotta and honestly? don’t bother. it just doesn’t have the same richness.

You want to create a ricotta pasta your friends will talk about.

Sauce It Up!

Now, you could use a jarred marinara. but why not take it to the next level? a simple homemade marinara sauce takes minutes.

Sauté some garlic in olive oil. then add your crushed tomatoes. simmer that goodness and voila. this italian sausage and burrata pasta inspired me and that gives it a nice touch, i feel.

Plus, you can sneak in some extra veggies if you’re feeling sneaky.

Let's Talk Shell Pasta Recipes : Stuffing time!

Seriously, stuffing these shells can be a bit therapeutic. plus, it's totally worth it. gently open each shell. spoon in that cheesy filling.

Then nestle them into a baking dish of marinara sauce. top with more cheese. then bake until golden. this is the part that makes the whole house smell incredible.

I know, i know, it takes like 1 hour and 10 minutes of your precious time. but trust me, that stuffed shells recipe is a life saver.

This is proper comfort food , the type you can share with your loved ones. Enjoy!

Alright, let's dive into the heart of these amazing stuffed shells with ricotta : the ingredients! i get it, sometimes the list looks long, but trust me, it's all easy stuff.

Think of this as assembling a delicious puzzle. don't be scared off!

Key Components for Epic Stuffed Shells

It all starts with the best stuff. Here's the lowdown.

Main Ingredients - Let's Get Specific!

• Jumbo Shells: 1 pound (450g) . Seriously, use jumbo shells. Small ones are a pain!
• Ricotta Cheese: 1 (30 ounce) container (850g) . Go for whole milk ricotta for the best creamy texture. Honestly, it makes a world of difference. The drier, the better!
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup (115g) , grated. Plus more for topping! Real Parmesan, not that stuff in a green can, okay?
• Pecorino Romano Cheese: 1/2 cup (50g) , grated. Adds a nice salty kick.
• Egg: 1 large egg, lightly beaten. This binds everything together.
• Parsley: 1/4 cup (60ml) , chopped fresh Italian parsley. Fresh herbs are always best!
• Oregano: 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Gotta have that Italian flavour.
• Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon . Trust me on this one.
• Salt & Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon each, or to taste. Seasoning is your friend!
• Marinara Sauce: 1 (24 ounce) jar (680g) . Or, if you're feeling fancy, about 3 cups of homemade marinara.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon , extra virgin.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Because you can never have too much garlic.

If you want to jazz it up a bit, consider adding some cooked italian sausage and burrata pasta to the sauce.

Oh my gosh, it's amazing. or for a veggie twist, try some pumpkin spinach and ricotta cannelloni flavors. it is a fantastic recipe with tons of flavour.

Spice it Right - Seasoning Sensations

Spice combinations: oregano + garlic powder = italian magic! flavor enhancers: a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

It's the bomb! quick subs: no pecorino? use extra parmesan! it will be good still!

Tools of the Trade - What You Actually Need

• Large Pot: For cooking the pasta. Duh!
• Colander: For draining the pasta.
• Large Mixing Bowl: For the ricotta filling.
• 9x13 inch Baking Dish (23 x 33 cm): For baking the stuffed shells recipe .

Quick Chat About Shell Pasta Recipes

Honestly, these stuffed shells with ricotta are way easier than they look. Don't be intimidated.

Here is a helpful hint. to simplify my ricotta recipes further, i sometimes prep the ricotta filling the day before.

This makes assembly a breeze when i am ready to make stuffed shells with ricotta . think of it as your secret weapon for a stress-free dinner! plus, my kids love spinach stuffed shells .

I usually add sauteed spinach to half of the filling and make both.

Now, get your apron on and let's get stuffing! by the way, if you want to make a quick ricotta pasta dinner, just combine all of the ricotta mixture with your favorite cooked pasta and top with tomato sauce.

Easy peasy. these filled pasta recipes are such versatile options, you will not regret trying them. looking to make a healthy change? add some chicken to the ricotta mixture and you can have the perfect healthy dinner recipes chicken .

You know? Cooking should be fun, not a chore. And these stuffed shells with ricotta ? Pure comfort food bliss. Happy cooking!

Cooking Method: Stuffed Shells with Ricotta – Oh My Gosh, So Cheesy!

Alright, buckle up buttercups. we're diving into a dish that's pure comfort: stuffed shells with ricotta . seriously, is there anything better than pasta overflowing with cheesy goodness? think of it as a hug in a bowl, perfect for a chilly evening or a good ol' sunday dinner.

Honestly, this is one of my fave shell pasta recipes .

Prep Steps: Let's Get Organized, Yeah?

First things first, mise en place , darling. it sounds fancy, but it just means getting everything ready. chop your parsley.

Grate your cheese. measure out your spices. it'll save you a headache later, trust me. for safety, just don’t cut yourself.

You know? simple as that.

Time-saving tip? Grate all your cheeses at once. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. Boom. Done.

Step-by-Step: From Bowl to Oven

Okay, here's the lowdown.

1. Cook your jumbo shells according to package directions. You want them al dente , with a little bite. Don't overcook, or they'll be mush city.
2. While the pasta is cooking, whip up the ricotta filling. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano cheese, one egg, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it well.
3. Next, heat olive oil and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant. Add marinara sauce, simmer it.
4. Spoon the ricotta mixture into each cooked shell. Be generous.
5. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish. Seam-side up.
6. Pour remaining sauce over shells. Sprinkle with more Parmesan. Then cover with foil.
7. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20 minutes , then remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes . Golden and bubbly.
8. Let it rest for 5- 10 minutes before serving. It's hard, I know.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Shell Game

• Don't skip the Pecorino Romano. It adds a salty, nutty flavour that's divine. We can add Italian Sausage And Burrata Pasta , the texture is better when mixed.
• To avoid soggy shells, make sure you drain them really well after cooking and give them a quick rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.
• Common mistake: Over-stuffing. It's tempting, but the filling will ooze out while baking. I know a good Pumpkin Spinach And Ricotta Cannelloni
• You can totally make the filling a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge until you're ready to stuff. Easy peasy.
• Ricotta Pasta is an easy, great choice for dinner.

Honestly, these spinach stuffed shells are amazing. it is also a great healthy dinner recipes chicken , if you are on diet.

This stuffed shells recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. plus, it makes great leftovers. it's one of those ricotta recipes that everyone loves.

So, give it a go! i know you'll love it.

Alright, so you've just learned how to whip up some proper stuffed shells with ricotta . now, let's chat about nailing the finer points.

It’s all the little extra bits that'll elevate your dish from "meh" to "bloody brilliant!" it's time for some recipe notes, mate!

Nailing Your Stuffed Shells: Recipe Notes

Presentation is Key: Serving Suggestions

Honestly, first impressions matter. plating your stuffed shells with ricotta is all about making it look inviting. think about dolloping a spoonful of that marinara sauce you made.

A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley, and boom! also consider a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad to balance the richness.

A nice, cold glass of pinot grigio could also complement the flavors nicely.

Storing Your Masterpiece: Storage Tips

Got leftovers? lucky you! to refrigerate, just pop the shell pasta recipes into an airtight container and they'll be good for 3-4 days.

For longer storage, you can totally freeze 'em. let them cool completely first, then wrap them individually in cling film before placing them in a freezer bag.

They'll keep for up to 2 months. to reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake in a preheated oven at 350° f ( 175° c) until heated through.

Microwaving works too, but might make the pasta a bit softer.

Remixing the Classics: Variations

Fancy a twist? for a veggie version, try adding sautéed spinach to the ricotta recipes ; your spinach stuffed shells are served.

Or, for a meaty twist, brown some italian sausage and mix it into the ricotta filling. you could even swap out the marinara for a creamy pesto sauce! and for a change of pace, why not give pumpkin spinach and ricotta cannelloni a go next time?

Fueling Your Body: Nutrition Basics

Okay, let's be real – stuffed shells with ricotta are a comfort food, not exactly a healthy dinner recipe . but hey, everything in moderation, right? you're getting a good dose of protein from the ricotta and cheese, and carbs from the pasta.

The tomato sauce contributes vitamins and antioxidants. so, while it's not exactly a health food, it's a satisfying meal that can be part of a balanced diet.

Honestly? making stuffed shells with ricotta is proper easy. it's all about having fun in the kitchen. don't be afraid to experiment and tweak the recipe to your liking.

You've got this! now, get in there and cook up a storm – you might even end up on bake-off next!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make stuffed shells with ricotta ahead of time?

Absolutely! As any good "Blue Peter" presenter would say, "Here's one I made earlier!" You can assemble the stuffed shells with ricotta a day in advance, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they're heated through. This makes it a brilliant dish for entertaining.

How do I prevent my jumbo shells from tearing when cooking?

Nobody wants a soggy bottom, and nobody wants torn shells! To prevent tearing, cook the jumbo shells until they are al dente - firm to the bite. This means they should be cooked through but still have a little resistance. Rinsing them with cold water after cooking also helps to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming too soft.

What's the best way to store leftover stuffed shells with ricotta?

Leftovers are brilliant, especially when it comes to comfort food! Store any leftover stuffed shells with ricotta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until heated through. They're almost as good the second time around, especially after the flavours have had a chance to meld.

Can I freeze these ricotta stuffed shells?

Freezing is a cracking way to preserve food! Yes, you can freeze stuffed shells. To freeze, let them cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. To reheat, bake from frozen, adding about 20-30 minutes to the baking time. Make sure they are piping hot before serving. Consider freezing before baking to avoid any textural issues with the ricotta.

Are there any variations I can make to the ricotta filling for stuffed shells?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! Feel free to add cooked spinach, mushrooms, or Italian sausage to the ricotta filling for extra flavour and texture. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a cheeky bit of heat. You can even experiment with different cheeses, like mozzarella or provolone. It's all about putting your own spin on a classic!

I'm watching my calories; are stuffed shells with ricotta a healthy choice?

While stuffed shells with ricotta are undeniably delicious comfort food, they are relatively high in calories and fat. To make them a bit healthier, you could use part-skim ricotta, reduce the amount of cheese overall, and bulk up the filling with vegetables. Consider serving with a large side salad to increase the fibre content and make it a more balanced meal, and perhaps have a smaller portion size - everything in moderation as the saying goes!

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