Let’s be honest—there are few dishes as universally loved as a big plate of stuffed shells with ricotta cheese. After all, it’s comfort food at its best: cheesy, saucy, and so satisfying you’ll want seconds (or thirds). Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner, a potluck, or just tackling a Wednesday night craving, stuffed shells are always a good idea. In fact, they’re one of those meals that everyone can agree on.

But what makes this dish so magical? For starters, it’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures—the creamy ricotta filling, the tender pasta shells, and the rich, tangy marinara sauce baked to bubbly perfection. In many ways, it’s like lasagna’s fun, easier-to-assemble cousin, and honestly, who doesn’t love a shortcut?

OOh, and here’s a bonus: stuffed shells aren’t just delicious—they also pack some serious nutritional value. Thanks to calcium-rich cheeses and antioxidant-filled tomato sauce, this dish offers much more than just indulgence. Moreover, with a little creativity, it’s endlessly customizable to suit your preferences.

In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about making stuffed shells with ricotta cheese, including a step-by-step recipe, tips for perfecting the dish, variations to try, and even answers to those nagging FAQs. Ready to get started? Let’s go!

Nutritional Benefits of Key Ingredients

Before we get to cooking, let’s take a moment to talk about what makes this dish not only tasty but also nutrient-packed.

Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta is the creamy heart of this dish. It’s loaded with:

• Calcium: essential for strong bones.
• Protein: Keeps you full and supports muscle health.
• Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your cells.

Tomato Sauce

The marinara sauce isn’t just a flavor bomb—it’s also great for you.

• Lycopene: A potent antioxidant that promotes heart health.
• Vitamins A and C: Support your immune system and skin health.
• Low in calories: Makes it a guilt-free addition to any dish.

Pasta Shells

Carbs often get a bad rap, but they’re an essential source of energy. Plus, jumbo shells offer:

• Fiber (if whole grain): Supports digestion.
• Folate: Essential for cell growth and repair.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:

The Shells

• Jumbo pasta shells: 1 box (20-24 shells).

The Filling

• Ricotta cheese: 2 cups.
• Mozzarella cheese: 1½ cups (shredded).
• Parmesan cheese: ½ cup (grated).
• Egg: 1 large, beaten.
• Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon.
• Black pepper:½ teaspoon.

The Sauce

• Marinara sauce: 3 cups (store-bought or homemade).
• Olive oil: for greasing the baking dish.

How to Make Stuffed Shells with Ricotta Cheese

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4-6

1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente (firm to the bite), which typically takes about 9-10 minutes.
• Drain and rinse the shells under cold water to stop the cooking process. Spread them out on a clean towel to dry.

2: Prepare the Ricotta Filling

• In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, beaten egg, parsley, salt, and pepper.
• Stir the mixture thoroughly until it becomes smooth and well blended.

3: Stuff the Shells

• Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each shell with 1-2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture.
• Place the stuffed shells seam side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

4: Add the Sauce

• Pour marinara sauce evenly over the shells, making sure they’re well covered.
• Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.

5: Bake

• Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

6: Serve and Enjoy

• Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with extra parsley or freshly grated Parmesan, if desired.

Full Nutritional Profile Per Serving

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you keep stuffed shells from being watery?

To keep stuffed shells from turning watery, there are a few key tricks you’ll want to follow. First, make sure to cook the pasta shells just until al dente—overcooking can cause them to fall apart and release excess starch. Additionally, thoroughly drain any cooked spinach or other vegetables you plan to mix into the filling; a quick squeeze with a clean towel works wonders! Lastly, avoid adding too much liquid to your sauce. Opt for a thicker marinara, or bake the dish uncovered during the last 10 minutes to allow extra moisture to evaporate.

What goes well with ricotta cheese?

Ricotta cheese is incredibly versatile—it pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory flavors! For instance, in savory dishes, you can mix it with herbs like basil or parsley for a creamy pasta filling or topping. It also complements roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant perfectly. On the sweeter side, ricotta truly shines in desserts such as cheesecakes, cannoli, or even as a spread on toast with honey and fresh fruit. Its mild and creamy nature makes it a star ingredient that works in so many delightful ways.

What is the difference between stuffed shells and manicotti?

Stuffed shells and manicotti might seem similar, but there’s one key difference! Stuffed shells use large pasta shells (conchiglioni) that are filled with cheese, meats, or veggies, while manicotti features long, tube-shaped pasta that’s also stuffed. Although the fillings are often similar, the texture of the pasta sets them apart—manicotti is typically smooth, while shells have ridges that do a great job of holding onto the sauce. In the end, both are delicious options for Italian-style comfort food!

How do you say stuffed shells in Italian?

In Italian, stuffed shells are known as “conchiglioni ripieni.” The term “conchiglioni” refers to the large, shell-shaped pasta, while “ripieni” means stuffed or filled. Traditionally, it’s a classic dish in many Italian households, often prepared with creamy ricotta cheese and a rich, flavorful tomato sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stuffed shells with ricotta cheese are the perfect combination of comfort, simplicity, and crowd-pleasing appeal. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this recipe is foolproof and endlessly versatile.

So, grab your ingredients, invite your family or friends, and bake up a dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me—you’ll never regret making stuffed shells.