Name: Stuffed Shells with Vodka Sauce
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 plates
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 15 ounces ricotta cheese; 1 egg; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper; 0.5 tsp garlic powder; 0.5 tsp dried parsley; 0.5 lb pasta shells; 1 tbsp olive oil; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic; 8 tablespoons tomato paste; 1.5 shot vodka; 2 cups heavy cream; Fresh basil

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Stuffed Shells with Vodka Sauce

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Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a large bowl, combine ricotta, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and parsley. Mix well and set aside.

Cook jumbo shells in salted water until very al dente. Drain and toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

In a large skillet, melt butter with a dash of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

Add tomato paste and stir until well combined. Cook until slightly darkened in color, about 2–3 minutes.

Pour in vodka and whisk. Let simmer for a few minutes to burn off the alcohol.

Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let cook for 5–7 minutes, whisking frequently. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and parsley to match the ricotta mixture.

Spread a layer of the vodka sauce in a large oven-safe baking dish.

Fill each cooked shell with the ricotta mixture using a piping bag or spoon. Arrange filled shells over the sauce.

Top shells with remaining vodka sauce, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20–25 minutes. Remove foil and broil until the top is golden and bubbly.

Garnish with fresh basil and more Parmesan before serving.

Bite Tutorial

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Shell Selection Secrets 🐚
Choose jumbo pasta shells that are thick and sturdy, ensuring they can hold the ricotta filling without tearing during baking.
Vodka Sauce Deglaze Technique 🍸
When adding vodka to the tomato sauce, let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to burn off the alcohol and concentrate the flavor, creating a more refined sauce.
Ricotta Filling Moisture Control 🧀
Drain ricotta cheese in a cheesecloth for 30 minutes before mixing to remove excess moisture, preventing a watery filling and ensuring a creamy, firm texture.
Broiling Brilliance 🔥
Position your oven rack 6 inches from the broiler and watch carefully, rotating the dish for even browning - golden spots should appear within 2-3 minutes.
Cheese Layering Pro Tip 🧀
Mix different cheese textures by combining creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan for a more complex and satisfying flavor profile.