Andy Montoya
Ricotta stuffed shells are a delicious and comforting meal that can be made in advance and frozen for later. The ricotta filling can be made with a variety of ingredients, including spinach, basil, garlic, lemon zest, oregano, red pepper flakes, and multiple types of cheese. The shells are then stuffed with this mixture and baked in the oven, resulting in a cheesy and saucy dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a get-together.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Ricotta, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Pecorino, Asiago, Romano, Fontina |
| Other ingredients | Spinach, Basil, Parsley, Eggs, Mushrooms, Broccoli, Beef, Sausage, Lemon zest, Oregano, Red pepper flakes, Garlic |
| Sauce | Marinara, Tomato, Spaghetti, Vodka |
| Shells | Manicotti, Jumbo, Gluten-free |
| Baking temperature | 350°F-425°F |
| Baking time | 20-60 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Spinach, basil, and garlic
Firstly, cook the pasta al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil begins to shimmer, add the garlic and cook until it begins to brown, about a minute or two. Next, add in spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Transfer the spinach and garlic mixture to a large bowl and add in ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Now, stuff the raw, uncooked shells with the spinach and ricotta mixture. You can use a small offset spatula, a spoon, or a small spoon to fill each shell. Cover the shells with the remaining sauce and bake for 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
Finally, serve the spinach and ricotta stuffed shells warm with a dusting of Parmesan and basil. Enjoy!
Some tips to keep in mind: You can use frozen spinach for convenience, just be sure to thaw and remove excess water before using. If you want to add more flavour to the filling, you can include lemon zest, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. You can also make this dish ahead of time by assembling the shells in a baking dish, wrapping it, and freezing it for up to three months. Then, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
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Mozzarella, Parmesan, and eggs
To make ricotta stuffed shells with mozzarella, parmesan, and eggs, you can follow this recipe. First, preheat your oven to 350–375 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, cook your pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the shells and rinse them with cool water to prevent sticking.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the filling by mixing ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, eggs, parsley, basil, garlic, mint, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until well combined. You can also add steamed spinach, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes to the mixture for extra flavour. Once the pasta is ready, use a spoon or a piping bag to fill each shell with the ricotta mixture.
To assemble the dish, spread marinara sauce in a 9"x13" baking pan to coat the bottom. Place the filled shells in the pan, cover them with the remaining sauce, and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 20–45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starting to brown.
You can also add other ingredients to the filling, such as ground beef, Italian sausage, or vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or kale. This recipe is versatile and can be customised to your taste preferences.
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Lemon zest, oregano, and red pepper flakes
To make the ricotta filling, you will need ricotta cheese, steamed spinach, dried oregano, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, garlic, and grated pecorino cheese. First, steam the spinach until it is tender and vibrant green, then place it in a strainer and squeeze out the excess moisture. Roughly chop the spinach and stir it together with the remaining ingredients to make the filling.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta shells until they are just shy of al dente. Drain the pasta and stuff each shell with the ricotta filling. Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish coated with simple tomato sauce. Add more sauce on top of the shells and bake until the sauce is bubbling and the filling is creamy.
You can also add other ingredients to the ricotta filling to enhance the flavour, such as eggs, mozzarella, Parmesan, basil, salt, and pepper. Additionally, you can garnish the stuffed shells with more pecorino or Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving. This dish can be made ahead of time and frozen for up to three months. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.
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Meat and other proteins
When it comes to meat and other proteins, the options for ricotta-stuffed shells are versatile. Ground beef is a popular choice, adding a hearty texture and flavour to the dish. However, you can easily substitute it with other ground meats, such as chicken, turkey, bison, venison, or sausage. If you're not a fan of red meat, ground chicken or turkey are excellent alternatives. Those who enjoy Italian sausage can opt for that instead, adding a unique flavour to the dish.
For a vegetarian option, you can omit the meat entirely and add more vegetables, or use ground vegetarian meat as a substitute. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try plain sausage or chicken sausage.
If you want to increase the protein content of your dish, consider using double cream ricotta or substituting ricotta with cottage cheese, which has a similar flavour but offers more protein. You can also include eggs in your mixture, giving it structure and ensuring it doesn't ooze out of the shells.
Additionally, you can boost the protein content by adding other ingredients to your meat mixture. For example, you can include spinach, which pairs well with the ricotta cheese, or bell peppers, which add a nice crunch and flavour.
Remember, the beauty of ricotta-stuffed shells is their versatility. So, feel free to experiment with different meats and proteins to find your perfect combination.
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Bread and salad
When serving ricotta cheese stuffed shells, it is recommended to pair them with a lighter side dish to offset the heaviness of the main course. Here are some bread and salad options that can complement your stuffed shells:
Bread
- Gluten-free bread: Fresh from the pot, warm gluten-free bread made with almond flour, coconut flour, butter, yeast, and milk can be a great option to serve alongside stuffed shells.
- Garlic bread: You can prepare this by roasting garlic and spreading it on bread, or using an air fryer for a flavourful option.
- Dinner rolls: Soft and warm dinner rolls can be a simple yet tasty addition to your meal.
- Breadsticks: Try making copycat breadsticks from Pizza Hut or Olive Garden using Pillsbury pizza dough.
- Biscuits: Cream cheese biscuits are a flakey option that can be perfect for the holiday season.
- Garlic knots: These can be served buttered or unbuttered and are a great way to add a garlicky flavour to your meal.
Salad
- Cucumber salad: A simple and refreshing salad made with cucumbers can complement stuffed shells.
- Vegetable salad: Create a crisp and refreshing salad using vegetables such as cauliflower, zucchini, grape tomatoes, mushrooms, bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli.
- Quinoa salad: This nutritious and healthy salad can be prepared in about 20 minutes and is a great option for health-conscious guests.
- Caesar salad: A classic Caesar salad can be a lighter option to balance out the richness of the stuffed shells.
- Arugula salad: A simple arugula salad can add a refreshing touch to your meal.
- Beet salad: The sweetness of beetroots can provide a nice contrast to the savoury stuffed shells.
These bread and salad options can enhance your meal and make it more enjoyable for you and your guests.
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Frequently asked questions
The ingredients needed are jumbo pasta shells, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, spinach, basil, parsley, salt, pepper, oregano, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, garlic, and pasta sauce.
This depends on the recipe you are following, but generally, you will need 1 cup of mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, 1 tablespoon of parsley, 2 cups of pasta sauce, and 18-20 shells. For the filling, you will need 3 cups of ricotta, 1 cup of spinach, and 1 egg.
You can add ground beef, spicy sausage, broccoli, mushrooms, or pesto to the ricotta mixture.
Cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for ricotta cheese.
Bake the shells for 20-30 minutes at 350-400°F. Then, broil at 500°F for 3-5 minutes to get a golden brown color.
