Stuffed shells are a classic Italian dish that is beloved for its creamy, cheesy filling and its comforting, satisfying flavors. This authentic Italian stuffed shells recipe with ricotta cheese is a must-try for any pasta lover. Not only is it easy to make, but it also delivers on traditional Italian flavors that will transport you straight to the streets of Rome. With a few simple ingredients and some easy steps, you can recreate this delicious dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Main Ingredients: Jumbo Pasta Shells, Ricotta Cheese, Large Eggs, Grated
Stuffed shells are a classic Italian dish that is loved by many for its cheesy and flavorful filling. These shells are perfect for a hearty family dinner or for entertaining guests, and they can be customized with different meats, vegetables, and cheeses to suit your taste. Here are 20 delicious stuffed shell recipes that are sure to become your new favorites!
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Italian Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Hamburger Meat, Crushed Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Onion
For a traditional take on stuffed shells, try this Italian version with a rich tomato sauce and a creamy cheese filling. The shells are stuffed with a mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese, and then baked until golden and bubbly. Serve with a side salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal.
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Pesto Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Frozen Spinach, Ricotta, Shredded Mozzarella, Basil
If you're a fan of pesto, you'll love these pesto stuffed shells. The shells are filled with a mixture of ricotta, pesto, and parmesan cheese, and then topped with a simple marinara sauce. The combination of the creamy pesto filling and the tangy tomato sauce is a match made in heaven.
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Giving Props and Italian Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Shells, Ricotta Cheese, Egg, Mozzarella Cheese, Grated
If you're looking to add some extra flavor to your stuffed shells, try giving them a twist with this recipe. In addition to the traditional cheese filling, these shells also include Italian sausage and spinach for a hearty and delicious meal. The addition of the sausage adds a savory depth of flavor to the dish.
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Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Jumbo Pasta Shells, Olive Oil, Mushrooms, Garlic
This vegetarian stuffed shell recipe is packed with flavor and nutrients. The shells are filled with a mixture of spinach, mushrooms, and ricotta cheese, then topped with a creamy tomato sauce and baked to perfection. It's a great way to sneak some extra veggies into your meal!
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Lasagna Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Jumbo Pasta Shells, Ground Beef, Chopped Onion, Tomato
Why choose between lasagna and stuffed shells when you can have both? This recipe combines the two beloved dishes by stuffing the shells with a classic lasagna filling of ground beef, tomato sauce, and cheese. It's a hearty and filling meal that will satisfy any pasta craving.
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Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Ricotta Cheese, Salt, Black Pepper, Parmesan Cheese
This classic stuffed shell recipe uses a simple filling of ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. The shells are then topped with a rich tomato sauce and baked until golden and bubbly. It's a simple and delicious dish that will please both kids and adults alike.
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Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Jumbo Pasta Shells, Olive Oil, Fresh Garlic, Fresh
For a twist on the classic ricotta filling, try adding some spinach to the mix. This recipe combines the creamy ricotta cheese with the earthy flavor of spinach for a delicious and nutritious meal. Plus, the addition of spinach adds some beautiful color to the dish.
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Beefy Italian Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Jumbo Pasta Shells, Olive Oil, Diced Yellow Onion
This stuffed shell recipe is perfect for meat lovers. The shells are filled with a mixture of ground beef, Italian seasoning, and cheese, and then topped with a savory tomato sauce. It's a hearty and satisfying dish that will leave you wanting more.
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Classic Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Jumbo Pasta Shells, Ricotta Cheese, Frozen Spinach
If you're looking for a traditional and no-fuss stuffed shell recipe, this one is for you. It uses a simple filling of ricotta and parmesan cheese, and a classic marinara sauce for a delicious and comforting meal. Plus, it's easy to customize with your favorite herbs and spices.
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Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Crushed Tomatoes, Dried Oregano, Dried Basil, Salt
For the ultimate comfort food, try this cheesy stuffed shell recipe. The shells are filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese, and then topped with a rich tomato sauce and even more cheese. It's sure to be a hit with cheese-lovers!
This stuffed shell recipe takes inspiration from the classic Italian dish, cacio e pepe. The shells are filled with a mixture of ricotta, parmesan, and pecorino cheese, and then topped with a simple butter and black pepper sauce. It's a rich and flavorful dish that is sure to impress.
For a protein-packed and flavorful stuffed shell recipe, try this one with Italian sausage and spinach. The shells are filled with a mixture of sausage, spinach, and cheese, and then baked in a creamy tomato sauce. It's a hearty and delicious meal that is perfect for any occasion.
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Cheese Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Jumbo Pasta Shells, Ricotta Cheese, Shredded Mozzarella
This simple stuffed shell recipe is perfect for cheese-lovers. The shells are filled with a mixture of ricotta and mozzarella cheese, and then topped with a flavorful tomato sauce. It's a crowd-pleasing dish that is easy to make and always a hit.
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Stuffed Shells with Spinach
Main Ingredients: Frozen Chopped Spinach, Ricotta Cheese, Shredded
If you're looking for a healthier version of stuffed shells, try this one with spinach. The shells are filled with a mixture of spinach, ricotta, and parmesan cheese, and then baked in a light tomato sauce. It's a delicious and nutritious meal that won't leave you feeling guilty.
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Italian Sausage Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Pasta Shells, Butter, Heavy Cream
This decadent stuffed shell recipe combines the flavors of Italian sausage and alfredo sauce for an indulgent meal. The shells are filled with a creamy mixture of sausage, ricotta, and parmesan cheese, and then topped with a rich alfredo sauce. It's a dish that is sure to wow your taste buds.
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Italian Ground Turkey Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Ground Turkey, Olive Oil, Pasta Shells, Ricotta Cheese
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to traditional stuffed shells, try this one with ground turkey. The shells are filled with a mixture of ground turkey, Italian seasoning, and cheese, and then baked in a simple marinara sauce. It's a delicious and leaner option that doesn't skimp on flavor.
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5 Ingredient Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta
Main Ingredients: Marinara Sauce, Pasta Shells, Olive Oil, Garlic, Fresh
For a quick and easy stuffed shell recipe, try this one with only 5 ingredients. The shells are filled with a mixture of spinach and ricotta cheese, and then topped with a simple tomato sauce and baked until golden and bubbly. It's a great option for busy weeknights.
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Pizza Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Pasta Shells, Olive Oil, Onion, Salt And Ground Black
If you love pizza, you'll love this pizza-inspired stuffed shell recipe. The shells are filled with a mixture of Italian sausage, pepperoni, and cheese, and then topped with a tomato sauce and even more cheese. It's a fun and delicious twist on a classic dish.
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Zucchini Stuffed Shells With Italian Sausage
Main Ingredients: Pasta Shells, Zucchini, Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella
This low-carb stuffed shell recipe is perfect for those looking for a healthier option. The shells are replaced with zucchini slices, and the filling is a mixture of Italian sausage, spinach, and cheese. It's a tasty and nutritious meal that is sure to satisfy.
How to Make Authentic Italian Stuffed Shells with Ricotta Cheese
Gather Your Ingredients
To make these delicious stuffed shells, you will need 1 box of jumbo shells, 1 pound of ground beef, 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. You can also add in any additional seasonings or vegetables of your choice to personalize the dish.
Cook the Shells and Prepare the Filling
Start by cooking the jumbo shells according to the package instructions. While the shells are boiling, prepare the filling by browning the ground beef in a pan. Once cooked, drain the excess fat and mix in the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and all of the seasonings. This will create a rich and flavorful filling for the shells.
Stuff and Bake the Shells
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Take each cooked shell and fill it with a spoonful of the cheese and beef mixture. Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish and top with any remaining filling. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy!
Once the shells are done baking, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is best enjoyed with a side of crusty bread and a fresh salad. The combination of the creamy, cheesy filling and the tender pasta shells make this an irresistible meal.
Final Thoughts
This authentic Italian stuffed shells recipe with ricotta cheese is a perfect choice for a cozy night in or a special occasion. The combination of the traditional Italian flavors and the simplicity of the dish make it a favorite among many. So, next time you're craving some Italian comfort food, give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with your cooking skills. Buon appetito!
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