Main Courses > Egg & Cheese Based > Protein-Rich Mains > Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Simple Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Marinara

A classic and easy-to-make main course featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with a simple ricotta cheese mixture and baked in a flavorful marinara sauce. Perfect for a weeknight meal!

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Servings
6
Ingredients
  • 24 shells Jumbo Pasta Shells
  • 24 oz Ricotta Cheese
  • 1 Egg
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1/8 tsp Black Pepper
  • 24 oz Jarred Marinara Sauce

Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.

Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Stuff the Shells

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta mixture and arrange them in the baking dish, filling-side up.

Bake

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the shells are heated through.

Serve

Let the stuffed shells cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Calories: 160kcal
Protein: 10g
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Other Considerations for Nutrition

This recipe is relatively low in fat. Use part-skim ricotta cheese to further reduce fat content. Adding vegetables like spinach or zucchini to the filling can increase the nutritional value.

← Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Sausage Spicy White Bean Shakshuka with Halloumi →

FAQ

  • Can I add garlic to the filling?

    Yes, adding a clove of minced garlic or 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder to the ricotta filling will enhance the flavor.
  • Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?

    Yes, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley in place of the fresh parsley. Keep in mind that dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor.
  • Can I add a layer of cheese on top before baking?

    Absolutely! Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese or a mixture of mozzarella and provolone cheese over the stuffed shells before the final 15 minutes of baking for a cheesy topping.