Ricotta Shells With Leeks

I try to diversify recipes and focus on health. I place the ricotta shells on a bed of leeks. The leeks keep the shells moist and boos the flavour. Ricotta Shells With Leeks makes a great family or entertaining meal. The prep for this is minimal and sometimes I cheat and use a good bottled marinara.

I like this recipe for entertaining because it is a one dish thing. This can also be cooked ahead of time, and then warmed-up quickly. The leeks at the bottom give you the vegetable additive. It’s also a great meatless dish. I put some Italian sausages in the sauce because my husband likes some meat with his meals. For me this is ac complete meal.

If you want a good meat stuffed cannelloni check out : https://recipesatmytable.com/veal-cannelloni/

If you like stuffed pasta, read this article for extra recipes and wine pairings: https://www.thegrandwinetour.com/en/popular-foods-of-italy/stuffed-pasta-wine-pairings

Ingredients

1 package pasta shells
2 large eggs beaten
1 250 gr ricotta
1 clove garlic (minced)
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1 tbsp minced parsley
1/4 tsp teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
1 leek, washed chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper
2 cups marinara sauce ( recipe: https://recipesatmytable.com/marinara-sauce-passata-making/
1/4 cup mozzarella
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

Process

I chop the leek and toss it with 1 tbsp of olive oil and add some salt and pepper.

Take 24 pasta shells and place them in a bowl with boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes. This soften the shells and makes them easy to fill. It really works and keeps the al dente.

In a medium bowl put in the ricotta, eggs, garlic, parsley, salt and parmesan cheese.

Mix it well and refrigerate while those shells are softening.

Put a heaping tsp of the mixture into each shell and set on top of the leeks.

Now cover with 2 cups of marinara sauce. Sometimes I also use a béchamel sauce. Both are good. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup of parmesan. Cover with a piece of parchment paper followed by a pice of tin foil. Place in a 350 F oven for 1 hour.