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- 20 jumbo pasta shells - 2 cups ricotta cheese - 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste - Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling The stars of this dish are the jumbo pasta shells and the creamy ricotta cheese. I love using fresh ricotta because it adds a smooth texture. When you mix it with mozzarella, it creates a cheesy dream. The Parmesan adds a salty kick that makes each bite pop. For the sauce, you can use homemade or store-bought marinara. The fresh basil brings a bright taste that balances the creaminess. I like to chop it finely, so it blends in well. The seasoning is simple yet important. Garlic powder enhances the flavor without being too strong. Always add salt and pepper to taste. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil gives a nice finish to the dish. For the full recipe, check out the Cheesy Dream Ricotta Stuffed Shells. - Preheat the oven: Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a little olive oil. This helps prevent sticking. - Cook the pasta shells: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add 20 jumbo pasta shells. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. When done, drain the shells in a colander. Let them cool for a few minutes to handle them easily. - Prepare the ricotta filling: In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Stir until it’s smooth and well combined. - Stuffing the shells with filling: Take each pasta shell and fill it with about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture. Make sure to fill them well for great flavor. - Assemble in the baking dish: Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Place the stuffed shells seam side up in the dish. Cover them with the rest of the marinara sauce. - Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce. This will create a nice, cheesy crust. - Bake covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This helps the flavors blend well. - Bake uncovered: After 25 minutes, take off the foil. Bake for another 10-15 minutes. This will make the cheese bubbly and golden brown. For the full recipe, check out the instructions above. This dish is simple yet so satisfying! To make the best ricotta filling, focus on consistency. Your filling should be creamy but not runny. Mix the ricotta well with the egg. This helps bind the ingredients. Add in 1 cup of mozzarella and ½ cup of Parmesan for richness. If you want more flavor, use fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Garlic powder adds a nice touch too. You can also try adding a pinch of nutmeg. This enhances the dish's flavor, making it more special. Baking with the dish covered helps keep the shells moist. Use aluminum foil to cover the dish tightly. Bake it for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil to let the cheese brown. This step gives you that golden, bubbly topping we all love. Make sure to check that the cheese melts evenly. Rotate the dish halfway through baking for even cooking. Presentation is key for any meal. To make your dish pop, sprinkle fresh basil on top before serving. A drizzle of olive oil adds shine and flavor. Serve the shells with a green salad for a balanced meal. You can also pair it with garlic bread for a tasty side. This makes your family meal even more enjoyable! If you want the full recipe, check out the Cheesy Dream Ricotta Stuffed Shells recipe for more details. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your ricotta stuffed shells easily. Try mixing different cheeses. Instead of just ricotta, use goat cheese or feta. These cheeses add a tangy taste that pairs well with the creamy ricotta. You can also add some sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor. Adding vegetables to the filling is another great idea. Spinach is a classic choice. It adds color and nutrients. You could also try roasted red peppers for sweetness. Mushrooms can add a nice earthy flavor. Just make sure to chop them finely and sauté them first. This helps release their moisture and flavor. If you want to switch up the sauce, homemade marinara is a great option. It’s easy to make. Just cook onions, garlic, and crushed tomatoes together. Add some herbs like basil and oregano for flavor. This sauce is fresh and bright. If you prefer something creamy, try using Alfredo sauce instead. It gives a rich taste that blends well with the ricotta filling. Drizzle the Alfredo over the stuffed shells for a special touch. You can also combine both sauces for a unique flavor twist. For those needing gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta shells. They taste great and hold the filling well. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package for the best results. If you want a vegan alternative, use a plant-based ricotta. You can make it with blended tofu, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast. This mixture creates a creamy texture and cheesy flavor. Use a vegan cheese for topping, or skip it entirely for a lighter dish. To keep your cheesy dream ricotta stuffed shells fresh, start by letting them cool. Once cool, transfer the shells into an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and prevents drying out. If you have many leftovers, consider using multiple smaller containers for easy serving. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat them in several ways. The oven is best for keeping that cheese topping crispy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to prevent burning, and heat for about 20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too. Just heat in short bursts, stirring gently to avoid sogginess. You can freeze ricotta stuffed shells either before or after baking. If you freeze before baking, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. For freezing after baking, let the dish cool completely first. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Always check if they are heated through fully before serving. Yes, you can make these stuffed shells ahead. To prep, cook the shells and prepare the filling as usual. After stuffing the shells, place them in your baking dish with sauce. Cover the dish with foil and keep it in the fridge. You can do this a day ahead. When ready to bake, just add some extra bake time if they are cold from the fridge. The ricotta stuffed shells last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing instead. Yes, you can switch up the pasta types! If you can't find jumbo shells, try using manicotti or even cannelloni. These will hold the filling well. You can also use large shells if you prefer. Just ensure they are big enough to stuff. These stuffed shells pair well with a fresh green salad. You can also serve garlic bread for a nice crunch. For a veggie side, try roasted broccoli or sautéed spinach. These options make your meal more balanced and tasty. In this post, we covered everything about ricotta stuffed shells. I shared the key ingredients, like jumbo shells, ricotta, and mozzarella. You learned how to prepare, fill, and bake them. Tips for making the filling perfect and ideas for variations added more flavor. Remember, you can store leftovers and reheat them easily. This dish is versatile and can fit many diets. Enjoy making it and impress your family and friends with your skills!

The Best Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Cheesy Dream Ricotta Stuffed Shells! This satisfying recipe combines creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and zesty marinara for a dish that will delight your taste buds. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in, these stuffed shells are easy to make and packed with flavor. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your meal game today!
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Ingredients
  

20 jumbo pasta shells

2 cups ricotta cheese

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

    Cook Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the shells in a colander and allow them to cool slightly.

      Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, ½ cup of grated Parmesan, the egg, chopped basil, garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended and the mixture is smooth.

        Stuff Pasta Shells: Take each cooked pasta shell and gently fill them with approximately 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture. Ensure that each shell is generously filled for optimal flavor.

          Assemble the Dish: Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Place the stuffed shells in the dish, seam side up, and cover them with the remaining marinara sauce.

            Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the sauce, ensuring a cheesy topping.

              Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

                Bake Uncovered: After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.

                  Cool and Serve: Once cooked, allow the dish to rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                      - Presentation Tips: For an eye-catching presentation, garnish the dish with additional chopped fresh basil and drizzle a little olive oil on top just before serving. Pair it with a vibrant green salad for a delightful and balanced meal!