RICOTTA STUFFED SHELLS RECIPES

 Ricotta stuffed shells are a delicious Italian-American dish made with large pasta shells filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese, herbs, and sometimes other ingredients like spinach or ground meat. Here's a basic recipe for making ricotta stuffed shells:

Ingredients:

• 1 box of large pasta shells
• 15-16 ounces of ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 cup of grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup of fresh chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups of marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• Optional: 1 cup of sautéed spinach, ground beef, or sausage
• Optional: 1 teaspoon of garlic powder or minced garlic

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set them aside to cool.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. If you're adding any optional ingredients, like sautéed spinach or ground meat, mix them in at this point.

4. Using a spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta mixture and place them in a baking dish.

5. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells.

6. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is hot and bubbly.

9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.

10. Let the stuffed shells rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh You can customize this recipe by adding cooked ground beef or sausage to the sauce, or by including spinach, mushrooms, or other ingredients in the ricotta cheese filling. It's a versatile dish that you can make your own. Enjoy your delicious ricotta stuffed shells! if desired.

Enjoy your homemade ricotta stuffed shells! They make a comforting and satisfying meal, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.