Stuffed Pasta Shells: A Heartwarming Family Tradition

When the aroma of the oven fills the house, it’s hard not to feel enveloped in a sense of warmth and familiarity. That’s why these stuffed pasta shells, baked with ricotta and ham, are much more than just a dish: they are a culinary hug that evokes memories of family and communal moments.

I still remember when my grandma used to make this dish for special occasions; her kitchen would fill with laughter and chatter as us grandkids competed to fill the shells the fastest. Today, I’m passing on this tradition through a recipe that combines delicate yet distinctive flavors: the sweet aroma of ricotta perfectly blends with the savory taste of cooked ham, all enriched by a creamy béchamel and a crunchy golden parmesan crust.

Preparing this dish is simple: from partially cooking the pasta to filling and finally gratinating. In less than an hour, you can bring something to the table that will win over everyone’s taste buds. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced chef, follow this guide step by step to ensure a result worthy of the best family lunches!

Recipe Notes

• SIMPLICITY: This recipe is a breeze to whip up, making it perfect for a quick and easy meal.
• PROS: You’ll love the creamy filling and the golden, crispy béchamel sauce.
• CONS: Keep an eye on the béchamel preparation, as it requires a bit of attention.
• PREPARATION: This dish is ready in just 50 minutes, making it ideal for a special lunch or dinner.
• NUTRITIONAL NOTES: Each serving contains around 600 calories and includes dairy and meat.

Ingredients Notes for the Recipe

• Large Conchiglie Pasta: perfect for holding the filling and béchamel sauce
• Ham: adds a salty flavor to the filling
• Ricotta Cheese: brings creaminess and delicacy to the filling
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: creates a crispy, golden surface
• Fresh Basil and Marjoram: flavor the filling in a fresh and fragrant way
• Butter, flour, milk for the béchamel sauce: basic ingredients for a creamy and enveloping sauce

Nutritional Aspects

Let’s discover the nutritional benefits of these delightful stuffed shells together:

• Balanced calorie intake: about 600 calories per serving.
• Ricotta, a source of protein and calcium for healthy bones.
• Lean ham, providing protein to maintain muscle mass.
• Parmesan cheese, rich in essential nutrients and intense flavor.
• Basil and marjoram, aromatic herbs with antioxidant properties.
• Homemade béchamel sauce, controlling the ingredients for a balanced diet.

Stuffed Baked Shells with Ricotta and Prosciutto Recipe

Baked stuffed shells with ricotta and prosciutto, topped with béchamel and grated Parmesan. A delicious, crispy dish enhanced with fresh basil and marjoram. Preparation time: 30 minutes. Cooking time: 20 minutes.

Servings 4

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Ingredients

• 500 g Pasta Large Shells
• 80 g Ham Cooked
• 200 g Ricotta
• 80 g Parmesan Cheese Grated
• Basil Fresh to taste
• Marjoram Fresh to taste
• 100 g Butter
• 2 tablespoons Flour
• 500 ml Milk

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 200°C.
• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the conchiglie for half the time indicated on the package, so they remain al dente after baking.
• While the conchiglie are cooking, finely chop the cooked ham and mix it in a bowl with the ricotta. Add chopped basil and marjoram, salt, and a grating of nutmeg to flavor the filling.
• Drain the conchiglie and let them cool on a clean towel.
• For the bechamel sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, add the flour while continuously stirring to avoid lumps. Gradually pour in the hot milk, continuing to stir until you get a smooth and thick sauce.
• Fill each conchiglia with a teaspoon of the ricotta and ham filling.
• Arrange the stuffed conchiglie in a lightly buttered baking dish or lined with parchment paper.
• Cover the conchiglie with the prepared bechamel sauce and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese.
• Bake for about 20 minutes or until the surface is golden and crispy.

Notes

To add a special touch to your recipe, you can incorporate finely chopped walnuts into the filling for a crispy contrast that pairs perfectly with the delicate flavor of the ricotta and ham. Remember that adding fresh aromatic herbs such as basil and marjoram can really make a difference in the final taste of the dish! Enjoy your meal!

Author: Tips4Food

Calories: 600kcal

Course: First Courses

Keyword: Baked stuffed shells, Bechamel sauce, Chopped nuts, first course, Fresh basil, Fresh marjoram, Gourmet recipe, Italian recipe, Recipe with ricotta and ham, traditional recipe

Variations of Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe

Make this recipe your own with these delightfully creative variations:

• Add spinach to the filling for a touch of freshness and color.
• Swap the ham for crispy bacon for a more intense flavor.
• Try gratinating the shells with Gorgonzola cheese for a bolder note.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Recipe

Find out the answers to the most common questions about this delightful dish!

How can I make the stuffed shells crispier?

To make them crispier, you can sprinkle the top with some breadcrumbs before baking.

What can I use instead of cooked ham?

You can substitute cooked ham with bacon or salami for a different flavor.

Can I make the stuffed shells in advance?

Yes, you can prepare them in advance and store them in the refrigerator to bake when ready to serve.