Teresa's Recipes
Fig and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Indulge in the delightful harmony of flavors with these Fig and Ricotta Stuffed Shells. Each jumbo pasta shell is generously filled with a creamy ricotta and sweet fig mixture, creating a decadent experience for your taste buds. Topped with rich marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella, this dish is a beautiful blend of savory and sweet. Historically, stuffed pasta has its roots in Italy, where families have been creating their own variations for centuries, making this dish not only a treat for the palate but also a connection to culinary traditions.
Ingredients
- 12-15 shells Jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup, chopped Dried figs
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1, beaten Egg
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh basil
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
- 2 cups, divided Marinara sauce
- 1 cup, shredded Mozzarella cheese
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4-6
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 50g
- Protein: 18g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 6g
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped dried figs, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta and fig mixture and place them in the baking dish, seam side up.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top of the shells.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra basil if desired, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!
Tips
- For a creamier filling, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the ricotta mixture.
- Feel free to substitute fresh figs if in season, for an even more vibrant flavor.
- You can also add spinach or kale for a nutritious twist!