Let’s talk about a baked pasta that seriously slaps — Stuffed Shells with Vodka Sauce. It’s the definition of comfort food: jumbo pasta shells filled with a luscious ricotta mixture, nestled in a velvety vodka sauce, and blanketed with gooey, golden cheese. I mean… come on. This is the stuff of carb-loaded dreams!
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving something cozy on a Tuesday night, this recipe always delivers. It’s elegant and indulgent — the best of both worlds.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Creamy: The ricotta-mozzarella filling is smooth, fluffy, and perfectly seasoned.
- Homemade Vodka Sauce: Tomato paste + cream + a splash of vodka = chef’s kiss.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it in advance, pop it in the fridge, and bake when ready.
- Perfectly Baked: You get melty cheese, a golden top, and shells that stay intact — no sogginess here!
📝 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Ricotta Filling:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp each: salt, black pepper, garlic powder, parsley
For the Shells:
- ½ lb jumbo pasta shells
- Olive oil (just a drizzle to prevent sticking)
For the Vodka Sauce:
- 4 tbsp butter
- Dash of olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 tbsp tomato paste
- 1.5 shots vodka
- 2 cups heavy cream
- Seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley
For Topping:
- Shredded mozzarella
- Grated Parmesan
- Fresh basil (for that final flourish)
👩🍳 How to Make Stuffed Shells with Vodka Sauce
1. Make the Filling
Start by combining ricotta, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, and your spices in a large mixing bowl. Mix until smooth and well incorporated. This creamy mixture is going to be the soul of your shells.
2. Boil the Shells
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells until they’re just barely al dente — remember, they’ll keep cooking in the oven. After draining, toss them with a touch of olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Build the Vodka Sauce
In a large pan, melt the butter with a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant — about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
4. Add the Tomato Paste
Next, stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for 2–3 minutes. It should darken slightly and become rich and concentrated.
5. Deglaze with Vodka
Pour in the vodka and whisk it into the tomato paste mixture. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes so the alcohol burns off, leaving only that delicious tang behind.
6. Make It Creamy
Slowly stir in the heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a light simmer, whisking as it thickens. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley. Let it gently bubble for 5–7 minutes until it’s silky and luxurious.
🧺 Time to Assemble
Layer the Base
In an oven-safe baking dish, spread a generous layer of vodka sauce across the bottom. This prevents the shells from sticking and keeps everything moist.
Fill the Shells
Transfer your ricotta filling into a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped). Fill each shell generously and place them in the dish, seam-side up.
Top with Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining vodka sauce over the stuffed shells. Then, sprinkle a hearty layer of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan on top. The more, the better!
🔥 Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and broil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Keep a close eye — that top layer turns golden fast!
When it’s out of the oven, top with fresh basil and extra parm. Because honestly, why not?
🥄 Tips for Success
- Room Temp Ricotta: Makes for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- Use Decent Vodka: It doesn’t need to be top-shelf, but avoid anything too harsh.
- Undercook the Pasta: Just shy of al dente is perfect — they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
- Want Heat? Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
🧊 Can I Make This Ahead?
Absolutely! You can assemble the whole dish the night before. Just cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temp while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. It’s the perfect make-ahead meal for holidays, parties, or meal prep.
🥗 What to Serve With Stuffed Shells
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery, and the perfect vessel for extra vodka sauce.
- Simple Salad: A Caesar salad or arugula with lemon vinaigrette cuts the richness.
- Wine or Sparkling Water: A dry white wine or lemony seltzer balances the creaminess.
🔁 Variations to Try
- Add Meat: Ground Italian sausage or pancetta in the sauce adds savory depth.
- Try a New Sauce: Alfredo, pesto, or even arrabbiata work beautifully.
- Go Veggie: Add chopped spinach to the ricotta or mushrooms to the sauce for more texture.
🌟 Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Shells with Vodka Sauce recipe isn’t just delicious — it’s a showstopper. With layers of creamy cheese, bold tomato flavor, and that silky sauce, it feels fancy but is secretly super simple. It’s ideal for cozy nights, impressive dinners, or just when you’re craving something really good.
Once you make it, don’t be surprised if it becomes part of your regular rotation. This is one of those dishes people remember — and ask for again (and again). 💛