If you have a craving for comforting pasta that’s rich, cheesy, and packed with savory flavors, then this Creamy Ricotta Mince Stuffed Shell Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender pasta shells generously filled with a hearty blend of ground mince and creamy ricotta, all smothered in a luscious, velvety sauce that hugs every bite. It’s an effortless way to impress family or friends with a dish that looks gourmet but feels like a warm hug on a plate. This recipe perfectly balances robust meatiness with smooth cheeses and just the right touch of herbs for an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
As with any great dish, the magic lies in the ingredients. Here, each element plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color—from the meaty filling to the creamy ricotta and the rich tomato sauce. These straightforward essentials come together to deliver a dish that feels both hearty and indulgent.
- 20 large pasta shells (conchiglioni): These are the perfect vessel for stuffing and hold the filling beautifully.
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey: Provides a savory, meaty base with options to suit your preference.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté the aromatics and adds a subtle richness.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweet undertones and balances the dish’s savoriness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant punch that deepens the flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor giving the sauce body and intensity.
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds freshness and slight acidity to brighten the rich sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Italian herb that complements the tomato and meat.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet, aromatic touch that harmonizes with the other herbs.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A hint of heat to awaken the palate if you like a little kick.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese: The star of the filling, creamy and mild, perfect for stuffing.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey bliss and adds a lovely stretchiness.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty, it enhances the cheesy flavor depth.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds freshness and a pop of green color.
- 1 cup heavy cream (for the sauce): Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
- 1/2 cup water or broth (for the sauce): Balances the sauce consistency and layers in extra flavor if using broth.
How to Make Creamy Ricotta Mince Stuffed Shell Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta shells until they are al dente, about 10 minutes. Don’t overcook them, as you want them to hold their shape while being stuffed later. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Filling
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Toss in the ground beef or turkey, breaking it up with your spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through. Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes so all the beautiful flavors meld together into a rich, meaty sauce.
Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Cheese Filling
In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. This creamy, cheesy filling will complement the savory mince mixture perfectly. Set aside.
Step 4: Stuff the Shells
Carefully spoon the ricotta cheese mixture inside each cooked shell. Arrange the filled shells snugly in a greased baking dish, creating a picturesque pasta bed for the sauce.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet with any leftover meat sauce, add the heavy cream and water or broth. Stir gently, letting it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly. This sauce brings that heavenly creamy texture to every bite of our stuffed shells.
Step 6: Combine and Bake
Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella on top for a golden, bubbly finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, until the cheese melts and turns a delightful golden brown.
How to Serve Creamy Ricotta Mince Stuffed Shell Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the dish visually and add a fresh burst, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley right before serving. You can also add a pinch of extra grated Parmesan if you love that salty, tangy punch. These simple touches brighten up the plate and add layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy, comforting pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or crusty baguette makes a perfect accompaniment to scoop up any leftover sauce, making each bite even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests or family, serve the stuffed shells in individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch. Alternatively, make a colorful bed of wilted spinach or roasted vegetables underneath the shells before adding sauce, creating a stunning contrast and extra nutrition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Ricotta Mince Stuffed Shell Pasta Recipe reheats beautifully. Store leftover portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s great for a cozy lunch or a quick dinner after a busy day.
Freezing
If you want to save time on future meals, assemble the dish fully but don’t bake. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake from frozen, adding extra baking time to ensure it’s heated through and bubbly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings, just cover loosely and heat in 1-minute increments to avoid drying out the creamy sauce.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works perfectly in this Creamy Ricotta Mince Stuffed Shell Pasta Recipe and offers a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
Do I have to use ricotta cheese?
Ricotta is key to creating that creamy, delicate filling, but you can substitute with cottage cheese for a lighter texture if needed.
What if I don’t have large pasta shells?
If conchiglioni are unavailable, jumbo pasta shells or even manicotti tubes are great alternatives for stuffing.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the mince with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute to keep it hearty and satisfying.
How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add just a mild heat, which is optional and can be adjusted or omitted based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say that this Creamy Ricotta Mince Stuffed Shell Pasta Recipe is destined to become a staple in your recipe rotation. It has everything you want in a comfort meal—creamy, cheesy, meaty, and full of heart. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, it’s a true crowd-pleaser that generously rewards the effort you put in. So grab those shells, get your hands cheesy, and make some memories over this unforgettable dish!
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Creamy Ricotta Mince Stuffed Shell Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Ricotta Mince Stuffed Shell Pasta combines tender pasta shells filled with a savory ground beef and ricotta mixture, baked in a rich tomato and cream sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this dish offers a delightful blend of creamy textures and robust Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta Shells and Cheese Filling
- 20 large pasta shells (conchiglioni)
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup water or broth
Instructions
- Prepare Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain carefully and set aside to cool slightly so they can be handled for stuffing.
- Cook the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan. Mix until well incorporated.
- Stuff the Shells: Using a spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta and cheese mixture, then place the stuffed shells evenly into a greased baking dish.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and water or broth. Pour this creamy sauce evenly over the stuffed shells in the baking dish.
- Top with Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the shells. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the shells from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top before serving for a bright, fresh touch.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
- To save time, prepare the meat sauce in advance and refrigerate until ready to use.
- For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes according to your taste.
- Use gluten-free pasta shells if you need a gluten-free meal.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated; cover with foil to avoid drying out.
