Description
Savor the delightful flavors of Sun-Dried Tomato and Ricotta Stuffed Shells, a comforting Italian dish that brings together the creaminess of ricotta cheese and the tangy essence of sun-dried tomatoes. Each jumbo shell is generously filled with a rich blend of cheeses, herbs, and spices, then baked to perfection in marinara sauce. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or meal prep, offering a satisfying experience that will impress everyone at your table. Easy to make ahead, these stuffed pasta shells are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (finely chopped)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 large egg
- 2 ½ cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil water in a large pot, add a pinch of salt, and cook pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until well combined.
- Take one pasta shell at a time and fill it with the ricotta mixture using a spoon or spatula. Place each filled shell seam-side up in a baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells evenly. Drizzle olive oil over the top and sprinkle with dried basil and oregano.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce-covered shells.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 filled shell
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg