Delicious Stuffed Shells with Ricotta: A Perfect Italian Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to our delicious recipe for stuffed shells with ricotta! This classic Italian dish is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender pasta shells, creamy ricotta cheese, and savory tomato sauce will leave you craving for more. Whether you're cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress. Let's get started!

Ingredients

• 1 box of jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups of ricotta cheese
• 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups of marinara sauce
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the instructions on the package. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with a generous amount of the ricotta cheese mixture and place them in a baking dish.
5. Pour the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, covering them completely.
6. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
8. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips to enhance your stuffed shells with ricotta:

• You can add cooked ground beef, sausage, or spinach to the ricotta cheese mixture for extra flavor.
• Top the stuffed shells with mozzarella cheese before baking for a gooey and cheesy finish.
• If you prefer a spicy kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the ricotta cheese mixture.

Conclusion

Now that you have the recipe for stuffed shells with ricotta, you can easily recreate this delicious Italian dish at home. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned chef, this recipe is simple to follow and will surely impress your taste buds. Enjoy this cheesy and comforting meal with your loved ones!

F.A.Q.S.

1. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, you can substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese or a mixture of cottage cheese and cream cheese.

2. Can I freeze the stuffed shells before baking them?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells and freeze them before baking. Just make sure to thaw them before baking according to the recipe instructions.

3. How long do the stuffed shells need to bake in the oven?

The stuffed shells should be baked in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.