Best Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe – Easy, Cheesy & Baked Comfort Food

🧀 Best Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe (Easy, Cheesy & Family Favorite)

If you're craving a rich, cheesy, oven-baked pasta dish that’s both comforting and simple to make, these Ricotta Stuffed Shells are the perfect choice 🍝
Loaded with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and savory marinara sauce, this recipe brings warm, satisfying comfort in every bite.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding the whole family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

🍝 What Are Ricotta Stuffed Shells?
Ricotta Stuffed Shells are jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy cheese mixture, then baked in marinara sauce until bubbly and golden 🧀🔥
A classic Italian-inspired comfort dish known for its rich texture and cozy flavor.

🛒 Ingredients

• 20–25 jumbo pasta shells
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg 🥚
• 2 cups marinara sauce (plus extra if desired) 🍅
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
• 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves garlic, minced)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt & black pepper, to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta 🍝
Boil the shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and let them cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Filling 🧀
In a bowl, mix:

• Ricotta
• 1 cup mozzarella
• Parmesan
• Egg
• Parsley
• Garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper
  Mix until smooth and creamy.

3. Prepare the Baking Dish 🍅
Spread 1 cup marinara sauce evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.

4. Stuff the Shells 🥄
Fill each shell generously with the cheese mixture and place in the dish.

5. Add Sauce & Cheese 🧀
Top with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle remaining mozzarella.

6. Bake 🔥
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes until golden and bubbly.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with:

• Garlic bread 🥖
• Fresh green salad 🥗
• Extra Parmesan on top 🧀

💡 Pro Tips

• Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid tearing
• Use whole milk ricotta for extra creaminess
• Add spinach or ground beef for extra flavor
• Add more marinara if you like it saucier 🍅

❤️ Why This Recipe Works

• Simple ingredients, big flavor
• Creamy, cheesy, and comforting
• Perfect for make-ahead meals
• Loved by kids and adults alike