Every time I make these Baked Ricotta Stuffed Shells, it brings back the sweetest memories of family gatherings at my grandmother’s house. I can still hear the laughter and chatter ringing through the kitchen, where delicious smells mingled and wafted around us like a warm hug. There was something magical about those Sunday dinners when we would all gather around the table to share stories over comforting dishes. As I prepared to make this recipe for you, I was flooded with those feelings of warmth and love. I know once you try this, you’ll feel that same warmth exploding in your heart and home.
How to make Baked Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Ingredients:
- 20 large pasta shells – These are the stars of the show! Their shape is perfect for holding all that creamy filling.
- 15 oz ricotta cheese – This creamy cheese gives the filling a delicate, rich flavor that melts in your mouth.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Who doesn’t love that stretchy, melty goodness? It tops the shells and makes them extra inviting.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – This adds a wonderful, nutty flavor that complements the ricotta perfectly.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped – I like to sneak in some greens to make things a little healthier!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic is a must for that aromatic punch!
- 2 cups marinara sauce – The best part! A rich, flavorful sauce brings everything together.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Just a pinch for flavoring!
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional) – Nothing says "homemade" quite like fresh herbs on top!
I love adding fresh herbs like basil at the end; it makes the dish smell and taste just divine! You can even replace the spinach with other veggies like zucchini or mushrooms if you’re feeling adventurous.
Cooking Steps
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Preheat Your Oven: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this is crucial for ensuring that your shells bake evenly and come out warm and bubbly.
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Cook the Pasta Shells: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. You don’t want them too soft because they’ll continue to cook in the oven. Once cooked, drain them and set them aside to cool a bit.
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Prep the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped spinach, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. I love mixing everything with a fork—it gets me excited as I see that beautiful filling come to life!
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Stuff the Shells: Now comes the fun part! Take each pasta shell and fill it generously with the ricotta mixture. It’s like giving them a delightful little hug. Place the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish.
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Add the Marinara Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure they are well covered. I like to spread it out evenly with a spatula.
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Top with Mozzarella: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. This will create a delicious, golden crust while they bake.
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Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. This keeps the shells nice and moist while baking.
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Remove Foil and Finish Baking: After 25 minutes, take off the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. I always recommend keeping an eye on it so it doesn’t over-brown!
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Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot. You can almost hear your family’s mouths watering just by looking at these delightful shells!
Why I Love Making This Dish
What I adore about Baked Ricotta Stuffed Shells is how they manage to bring everyone together. Whenever I serve this dish at gatherings, it transforms into a center point for laughter and storytelling. The combination of fluffy pasta and creamy filling makes for a well-loved meal that warms the very soul of my family. Plus, it’s relatively simple to prepare, which means you get to spend more time with your loved ones rather than slaving away in the kitchen.
What You’ll Need
You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish and a large pot for cooking those pasta shells. Don’t forget a mixing bowl and a spatula for assembling everything! Lastly, keep your measuring cups handy for easy measuring of those ingredients!
Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions; drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each shell and place them in the baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over everything and sprinkle on more mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes.
- Garnish and serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the best results, use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Fresh mozzarella and homemade marinara sauce can elevate this dish to a whole new level! It’s also a great idea to avoid overcooking the pasta shells. They should be al dente so they don’t get mushy when baked.
Serving Suggestions and Sides
These stuffed shells are delightful on their own, but I love serving them alongside a fresh garden salad or a side of garlic bread. A crisp salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish beautifully. If you’re really in the mood to indulge, add a side of your favorite garlic knots, and you’re all set!
Leftovers
If there happen to be any leftovers (which is rare in my household!), let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for about 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warm, adding a splash of marinara sauce for moisture if needed.
Emotional Engagement
When I prepared this dish for my family last week, their faces lit up with joy. You’re going to love how easy it is to whip up these shells, and I promise they will ask for seconds. As you savor each comforting bite, I hope you’ll make lasting memories just like I have. Cooking is not just about food; it’s about the love and connection that comes with sharing meals with those you cherish.
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While the large shells are perfect for stuffing, you can use any similar shapes, like conchiglie or even cannelloni.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
You can substitute cottage cheese for a similar texture. Just blend it a bit to achieve that creamy consistency!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dish the night before and store it in the fridge. Just be sure to cover it well. When you’re ready to bake, add a few more minutes to the cooking time.
Can I freeze these stuffed shells?
You can! Just assemble them, cover tightly with foil, and label them. They can be frozen for up to two months. When you’re ready, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
What can I do if my cheese isn’t melting well?
If you find your cheese isn’t melting as expected, a splash of cream or milk can help create that perfect creamy texture while keeping it gooey!
This dish has become a favorite in my house, and I’m so excited for you to try it. Baked Ricotta Stuffed Shells is not only easy to prepare but it also tastes heavenly. I know you’ll love it as much as I do! Make sure to let me know how it turns out, and if your family asks for seconds, just like mine does every time. Happy cooking!