Stuffed Spicy Tomato Basil Shells with Whipped Ricotta

If you’re craving a dish that’s equal parts comforting and exciting, look no further than these Stuffed Spicy Tomato Basil Shells with Whipped Ricotta. Picture this: large pasta shells filled with a spicy, savory tomato-basil mixture, all topped with a creamy, fluffy whipped ricotta. It’s like taking a classic stuffed pasta and giving it a bold, flavorful upgrade. Whether you’re having a cozy dinner or serving it up for guests, this dish is sure to impress! Trust me, you’re going to fall in love with how these flavors come together.

Why You’ll Love Stuffed Spicy Tomato Basil Shells with Whipped Ricotta

This dish is an absolute winner. Here’s why it’ll become one of your favorites:

Versatile

This stuffed shell recipe is perfect for any occasion. It’s a fun, flavorful way to switch up your weeknight dinners, but it’s also impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. Either way, it’s going to make your taste buds dance with joy.

Bold Flavors

The combination of spicy tomato sauce, fragrant basil, and creamy ricotta creates a taste explosion in every bite. It’s a vibrant, comforting dish that’s full of depth, spice, and creamy goodness.

Whipped Ricotta Magic

The whipped ricotta topping is a game-changer. It’s creamy and airy, and it adds the perfect balance to the heat from the sauce. Plus, it gives the dish a rich, indulgent feel without being overwhelming.

Easy to Make

While it sounds fancy, this dish is easy to put together. The simple ingredients come together to create something incredibly flavorful, and the steps are straightforward—no stress, just deliciousness.

Crowd-Pleasing

Both kids and adults will love this dish! It’s hearty enough to satisfy even the pickiest eaters, and the spicy kick adds an extra fun twist that makes it stand out from your typical pasta bake.

Ingredients

Jumbo Pasta Shells

These large pasta shells are the perfect vessel for all that spicy tomato-basil goodness. When stuffed and baked, they get crispy edges while keeping all that delicious filling inside.

Spicy Tomato Sauce

A flavorful tomato sauce with a bit of heat is the base of this dish. The kick from the spice adds complexity, making each bite pop with flavor.

Fresh Basil

Fresh basil brings an aromatic, herbaceous quality to the tomato sauce. It’s the perfect complement to the spicy kick in the sauce, creating a balanced, fresh flavor.

Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta adds a rich, creamy texture to the stuffing. It’s the perfect base to create a light yet indulgent filling. When whipped, it becomes even fluffier and creamier, creating a dreamy topping.

Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella adds a delicious, gooey texture to the filling, and when melted, it becomes the perfect addition to the stuffed shells.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~550 kcal
Protein: 20g
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 10g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions, but make sure to leave them al dente. You want them firm enough to hold the stuffing without falling apart. Drain and set them aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Spicy Tomato Sauce

In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Then, add crushed tomatoes, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and a handful of fresh basil. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Adjust the spice level by adding more red pepper flakes if you like a little extra heat.

Step 3: Make the Ricotta Filling

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and a bit of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth. For a lighter, fluffier texture, use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to whip the ricotta until it’s airy and creamy. This whipped ricotta will make the stuffing extra indulgent!

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Once the pasta shells have cooled slightly, take each shell and spoon in a generous amount of the whipped ricotta filling. Be sure to pack it in so they hold together.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the spicy tomato sauce on the bottom. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish, placing them side by side. Pour the remaining sauce over the shells, making sure each one is generously covered.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the shells are heated through. For the last 5 minutes, remove the foil so the top gets slightly crispy and golden.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with extra fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy every comforting bite!

How to Serve Stuffed Spicy Tomato Basil Shells with Whipped Ricotta

This dish is hearty enough on its own, but here are a few ideas to make your meal even more memorable:

Garlic Bread

Serve with warm, garlicky bread to sop up the spicy tomato sauce. It’s a classic pairing that never goes out of style.

Side Salad

Pair with a light, fresh green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. The crisp salad balances the richness of the ricotta and the heat from the tomato sauce.

Roasted Vegetables

For an extra dose of vegetables, roasted zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers make for a delicious and colorful side dish.

Parmesan Cheese

Finish off the dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The salty, nutty flavor will complement the creamy ricotta and spicy tomato sauce beautifully.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just cover them tightly with foil and bake when needed.
• Extra Spice: If you love heat, feel free to add fresh jalapeños or hot sauce to the tomato sauce for an extra kick.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap out the ricotta and mozzarella for dairy-free alternatives, and you’ll still have a delicious stuffed shell that everyone can enjoy.
• Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully. Assemble it and freeze before baking. When ready to eat, just bake straight from the freezer, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular pasta shells instead of jumbo ones?

A1: You can, but jumbo shells work best for stuffing. If you use smaller shells, you might need to adjust the amount of filling.

Q2: Can I make the ricotta filling ahead of time?

A2: Yes! You can prepare the ricotta filling in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to stuff the shells.

Q3: Can I add meat to the filling?

A3: Absolutely! Ground beef or sausage would be delicious in the ricotta mixture if you prefer a meatier dish.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?

A4: Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.

Q5: How do I reheat leftovers?

A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can cover the dish with foil to prevent it from drying out.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?

A6: Yes! This recipe can easily be doubled for a larger crowd. Just use a bigger baking dish and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q7: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A7: If you use gluten-free pasta shells, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free.

Q8: What are some other topping ideas?

A8: You could add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra spice, or even drizzle some balsamic glaze over the top for a sweet contrast to the heat.

Q9: What sides pair well with this dish?

A9: A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables would all be fantastic side dishes.

Q10: Can I use a different cheese in the filling?

A10: Sure! Ricotta is traditional, but you could swap it for mascarpone or cottage cheese for a different flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Stuffed Spicy Tomato Basil Shells with Whipped Ricotta are the perfect blend of bold flavors, creamy textures, and comforting warmth. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or something to impress guests, this dish delivers every time. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and guaranteed to become a household favorite. So, grab your ingredients, get ready to enjoy the process, and savor every spicy, cheesy bite!

Print