Description
Indulge in the rich and flavorful world of Creamy Ricotta and Sun-Dried Tomato Stuffed Shells, a classic Italian dish that brings together the creamy goodness of ricotta cheese and the bold, tantalizing taste of sun-dried tomatoes. This recipe is a true comfort food masterpiece, perfect for satisfying your cravings for a hearty and satisfying pasta dish.
Ingredients
- 20–25 large pasta shells
- 15 ounce ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
1. To begin, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the cooked shells and set them aside to cool slightly.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, fresh chopped basil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix all the ingredients together until well-incorporated, creating a flavorful and creamy filling.
3. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Take each cooked pasta shell and carefully stuff it with the ricotta and sun-dried tomato mixture. Arrange the filled shells in a greased baking dish, placing them seam-side up.
4. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top of the stuffed shells, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Bake the shells in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Allow the baked shells to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil, if desired. Enjoy this delightful Italian dish alongside a crisp salad or some warm, crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
To adapt the Creamy Ricotta and Sun-Dried Tomato Stuffed Shells for dietary restrictions, you can use gluten-free pasta shells available at most grocery stores. For a dairy-free option, substitute ricotta cheese with a plant-based alternative, such as cashew or almond ricotta. You might also consider using a tofu-based filling blended with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Ensure to check all other ingredients, like sauces or seasonings, for hidden gluten or dairy components.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Italian
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg