Description
Ricotta Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food dinner with tender jumbo pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta cheese, spinach, mozzarella, and Parmesan, all baked in rich marinara sauce until bubbly and golden. This easy dinner recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family meals, holiday gatherings, and make-ahead freezer dinners. If you are looking for easy pasta recipes, dinner ideas, Italian-inspired comfort food, or crowd-pleasing baked pasta dishes, these cheesy Ricotta Stuffed Shells deliver incredible flavor with simple ingredients. The creamy filling, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese create a satisfying homemade meal everyone loves.
Ingredients
12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs
2 cups fresh spinach chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
4 cups marinara sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente according to package instructions.
2. Drain the shells carefully and rinse lightly with cool water to stop the cooking process.
3. In a large bowl combine ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, spinach, garlic, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
4. Spread 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a large baking dish.
5. Fill each cooked shell with the ricotta mixture using a spoon or small scoop.
6. Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish in a single layer.
7. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the shells.
8. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
9. Cover loosely with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Let the Ricotta Stuffed Shells rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
12. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Use whole milk ricotta cheese for the creamiest and richest filling texture.
Do not overcook the pasta shells before baking or they may tear while stuffing.
Allow the shells to rest after baking so the filling stays firm and easier to serve.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: ricotta stuffed shells, stuffed pasta shells, baked pasta recipe, easy dinner recipe, cheesy pasta bake, vegetarian pasta recipe, comfort food dinner, Italian dinner ideas