Italian Grandma Makes Stuffed Shells with Ricotta

STUFFED SHELLS
1½ lbs Jumbo Shell Pasta, about 62 shells
Sauce:
Olive Oil
½ Onion, finely chopped
3 cloves Garlic, finely chopped
2 qts Tomato Sauce
¼ cup Fresh Basil
Salt & Pepper to taste
Filling:
2 lbs Ricotta Cheese, whole milk
4 Extra Large Eggs
16 oz grated whole milk Mozzarella, reserve 4 oz. to sprinkle on top
6 oz grated Pecorino Romano Cheese, reserve 2 oz. to sprinkle on top
1/3 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
¼ cup fresh Basil, chopped
Salt & Pepper to taste
COOKBOOK: "Cooking with Grandma Gina" is available on Amazon in Paperback and eBook.
Recipes in cookbook are based on videos released prior to March 2021.
Click on the following Amazon link for the cookbook:
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FAN MAIL:
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P.O. Box 223
Adelphia, NJ 07710
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FAQ:
Who is this lady?
Gina Petitti was born in 1935 in Faeto, Italy. Her family ran a farm in Italy and she met her husband, Vito, in the same town. In 1970 Gina, Vito, and her 4 children immigrated to America. Gina’s husband passed away in 2012, but she is surrounded by a large family, which includes 9 grandchildren, and lives 5 minutes away from her eldest daughter in New Jersey. Gina spends her time cooking, gardening, and being an active member of her local Church.
Where does Gina get her recipes?
Most of these recipes are from what she learned growing up in Italy, but some of them have evolved over time. She has also learned new recipes from friends and family in America. She is always eager to try new things.
Why is no one helping her in the video?
Grandma Gina doesn’t want help! Usually, it’s because we will slow her down or not do it “her way.” For the videos we only show her, but when the camera cuts we jump in and help form the cookies or prep for the next step.
Why don’t we buy her a new...?
Grandma Gina has a closet and garage full of new gadgets, spoons, forks, pots, etc… but she doesn’t like them because she is used to doing it with her old tools. She has fun getting her hands dirty!
Who is behind the camera?
Her retired son-in-law films, her daughter helps her prep, and she usually has one or two grandkids in the kitchen.
Does Gina read the comments?
We print out and show her how much love she gets from all her viewers, and she is very thankful and hopes you enjoy her cooking! Your comments bring her lots of joy, laughter, and inspiration to make more videos to share with you.
Thank you for watching, we hope you subscribe, and we will see you in our next video!

[@mstrt3749]

Does this lady understand how amazing and unique she is? This is something the world needs to experience. Truly amazing!

[@bernsfatehi9874]

Right?

[@angelabaiers5055]

I love Gina!

[@foodworld1823]

Nice 👍

[@jeanettereynolds3151]

I dont think she realy believes how good she is.where ever she grew up in italy she had a great grandma and mother I am one of 7 and we never said what are we having.we always said when is dinner ready and was told when it's done.home cooked food is best and way to go foreward my mum had so much in a day to do no easy washing machines etc yet always had time to prepare evening meal

[@davidfellows2874]

If your lucky enough to be Italian and all your relatives can throw down in the kitchen it's kind of like having a bunch of Gina's! Sadly my grandmother and all my great aunts and uncles are gone now, and my mom and her cousins are in their eighties but they can still cook and they've all passed it on to us. I love watching her and I choke up with joy remembering all of them! Ciao

[@tedbou]

Gina IS my mother in law and her beautiful sister who taught me to cook!! Gina is a gift from God!! Thank you for sharing your priceless recipes and the way you prepare. You show us the joy of cooking. It makes a house a home and celebrates family. Thanks and God bless Gina!!!

[@huddyr1112]

In Italian we call a woman like this...L'angelita di Dio🙏🏽 A truly angelic woman from God we all would be so blessed to have a Grandmother like this

[@arleengopfert919]

WE have to take care of her. She has a good heart and a religous person and hardworking. God Bless her and Hope that she would have a Long Life♥️♥️♥️

[@rotten5911]

we must protect this precious woman at all costs!!!

[@cactusroadrunner5277]

10 thumbs down poor viewers who've never experienced a magnificent woman like Gina! The best cook evvvvver!

[@carmensammut9644]

I totally agree with you! How I wish I had the power to bestow on her the title of a real ambassador of values such as industriousness, docility and humility!!!!

[@loveminky]

I love how she scraped the sauce from the lid and put some water in the sauce bottle to get everything out. She’s not wasteful. She knows how to live life beautifully.

[@kasey4481]

My husband is the cook of the family, but after serving him and our family your stuffed shells recipe I have been designated to make this for every get together by the entire family. I gave you all of the credit. Thank you so much for your videos!

[@conniecrawford5231]

America should be grateful for all the Italian grandmas who emigrated to the USA and imparted their cooking skills to us!

[@sisthor1]

Connie Crawford, I believe Americans are very grateful and blessed for the love and devotion put into these recipes, such a treasure. Most of Americans enjoy and appreciate the Italian cuisine...I can’t think of anyone of my friends that doesn’t love an Italian dish. I can’t wait to do a food tour of Italy, It’s on my bucket list. I just hope I can be guided by someone as fun as “Italian Grandma” to give me the tour. Americans love this stuff.

[@debrandw246]

Absolutely♥️

[@MrCorvettegirl2]

I agree ❤️

[@js4540]

We are and esp since they did it legally....

[@MrCorvettegirl2]

My dream trip is getting to Italy 🇮🇹 Number 1 on my bucket list ❤️😊❤️

[@mariehud7382]

You are perhaps the happiest person I ever saw...thanks to your family for deciding to record you and share with us . I love every minute of your videos...not only do we get your wonderful recipes but your wonderful personality and spirit ... I love you like you were my Grandmom...

[@alankelly-hamm2702]

The world would be a happier place if we all had an Italian grandmother who cooked and sang like Gina.

[@dianetimms6515]

I LOVE it when she sings!!♥️♥️♥️

[@tmstar7449]

I absolutely ADORE grandma Gina. I love watching these videos. Even when I'm not in the kitchen. Just listening to her talking and singing makes everything better ❤️

[@oneitalia2312]

♡♡♡♡♡~GINA~♡♡♡♡♡ Stuffed Shells! Just like my grandma Almarimda used to make! O, Gina, what a blessing you are to keep showing these wonderful, old world, traditional Italian dishes! You're thee absolute BEST! Stuffed Shells were a special treat made on special occasions in my grandma's home. On Christmas, she would feed family after family. I was a little girl then wondering how she would keep pulling pan after pan of wonderful baked shells out of the oven......I used to think my grandma had a bottomless oven! "Where are all of these coming from?" I love you, Gina and THANK YOU (and to your generous son-in-law) for sharing your love and showing "the world" your fabulous Italian cuisine. You are a treasure ♡ May God Bless You Day and Night......Candles burn bright for you and your family at the Monastery. XO~♡~OX

[@alesulaie4391]

What a beautiful message!

[@petetravers7363]

I love watching Gina with my 80 year old Italian Mother in-law Mirella. Each day she says to me: (imagine Gina's voice) "What about we watch Gina?" Mirella is a formidable Italian Nonna cook herself...but the northern Italian cuisine is a little different.

[@MsAutie]

She just makes me happy!! What a treasure she is.

[@violetbenson1283]

Her accent gives me life-aahhhh ❤️

[@cherylsyoutubies]

omg Gina....you have to adopt all of your subscribers!!! We want you to be our grandma!! (although you're not old enough to be my grandma....doesn't matter...I still want you to be my grandma). You are so beyond adorable and lovable. Thanks for sharing another beautiful recipe.

[@matthewcrandall7362]

An eternal blessing that will last on for future generations of the family. A great way to preserve a family legacy.

[@RitaD0724]

My grandmother was born in the late 19th century and emigrated here at the age of 16, to marry the brother of her sister’s husband. They were a poor farm family in Ischia. My grandmother could not read or write, but she could sew and man, could she cook. And so could my mother. When my grandmother was sick and in the hospital, she wouldn’t eat the food. My mother would cook whatever she wanted, and I would carry that covered dish 4 blocks to the hospital every evening. Love and devotion to family, to her dear mother.

[@sjakaardema]

I,m Dutch, living in America, Gina is my greatest Italian cook💕💕

[@mariacasella979]

I have never seen anyone on KZbin make these delicious recipes exactly the same way as I do and my family EXCEPT FOR NONNA GINA 💖

[@outdooorsman]

beautiful lady!!i love stuffed shells! and ty for the singing always makes me happy

[@WackyWitchTV]

My mom passed away so this channel is such a beautiful way to bring her Grammy vibes into our lives and my son and I both started cooking because of you! Thank you! 🙏🧙🏼‍♀️

[@kimholomshek6543]

I love her recipes and the way she sings her Italian songs while cooking. She's always happy and I adopted her as my Grandma too especially while I'm cooking along with her. How could you not !!!.👵 Thanks for sharing Grandma and God Bless you for your kind sweet personality.

[@kimholomshek6543]

👱‍♀️🐶

[@luvsjudy]

I Live In Suburbs Of Manhattan...We Went To See The Christmas Show At Radio City...We Always Stop At Saint Patrick’s Cathedral...We Included You In The Candles We Lite...Have A Perfect Day♥️

[@doccal5896]

Bravo!

[@BBB-rd2qi]

james kissam - Amen!!

[@johnj9267]

Whoever gave this a thumbs down..."Now go and get your shinebox" :)

[@tcapo514]

whoever gives this little old lady a thumbs-down deserves a horsewhipping

[@beacu1436]

The best recipes is from our mom or grandma, this is the original, God bless this beautiful lady , for continued learn from her, nobody like you, you’re the best♥️👍👍👍🇵🇪🇮🇹👍👍🇺🇸👍👍

[@jefferythar5740]

God Bless you Gina. To come to America and learn English and raise a family and be a machinist etc.is amazing. Now to have a cooking show too. Well, what can I say but magnifico.

[@MC-dn1xj]

Is it possible to love someone you’ve never met? I love her so much. It hurts. 😭

[@hjisagirl]

Delicious recipe, and gIna, you looked especially lovely today in your beautiful flowered top!!

[@sandraseeraj3151]

Please her children adore this mother of yours

[@Monmorrangr]

Having made this a few times I’ll tell you that you can put the stuffing in a gallon ziplock bag and cut a corner off to squeeze it into the shell. It’s easier for me but she’s on another level.

[@thefigtreeguy]

This video is killin' me because: 1) It makes me hungry and it's early morning. 2) It makes me jealous because I can't cook like grandma Gina. 3) It makes me sad because she reminds me of my grandmothers. 4) It makes me feel nice because grandma Gina and I have similar accents. 5) It makes me happy because she has become my grandmother too. Thanks a million grandma Gina. Il gusto perfecto...

[@homesteadblessings8886]

Gina we love you so much. Can you make gnocchi without egg. We don't watch many people but always you. My husband will ask if I don't say I have seen you lately if you are alright. Your like family to us. God's blessing to you and yours

[@professionalviewer5672]

I work in a michellin star restaurant here in nyc, i come here sometimes to get some great tips and a smile from ear to ear. God bless you Gina.

[@jeanettereynolds3151]

So your copying her recipes then lol

[@vicgarf62]

Such a blessing to watch this video. I never did get a chance to meet my great grandmother, and I did not live close to my grandmother to be able to learn how to cook Italian. So thankful that you take the time to share your love of cooking and now I get to share your receipes with my family. My mother and father are both Italian, but I cannot speak it, but I understand some. Love to hear you talk, brings back a lot of memories. Love you Gina and God bless you. In the words of my grandmother, Mangia Mangia la mia famiglia :)

[@coreyblack116]

I love how she has the exact amount of ricotta filling for the amount of shells. Perfection!!

[@eleni1968]

Ok. I love Nonna Gina and her singing!! I'm so glad she sings from her heart. FYI: those are her canned tomatoes in those mason jars for the sauce NOT commercial canned tomatoes.

[@andelaiki]

I could watch and listen to nonna Gina all day, but now it’s time to go into the kitchen …. Wonderful wonderful woman!

[@mzright7803]

I could listen to her talk all day❤️

[@jeanneharrington4606]

Could anyone else smell those shells coming out of the oven with that amazing home made tomato sauce? Love you Nonna Gina ❤️👍💖😍👋

[@harrymanback8933]

“When you open the jar you feel something “ Yeah I watched how hard you worked on that sauce so you must feel pride when you pop that lid!

[@dolorescicello9349]

This Lady reminds me of my Grandma. I wake up every day to her to see what I’ll be cooking for dinner. She makes me so happy.

[@henrycruz5281]

Ok this is by far the best cooking video I have seen so far and I have made a lot of dishes watching KZbin. This is by far the best dish I have made. Perfection. Muah. 🤤 Magnifico! She is the best. Gratzi Mama.

[@umfiona]

The BEST part is when lovely Gina says, “I’m Gina”. Yes. It’s the BEST part of the video. Well, after all the yummy, wholesome food you lovingly prepare.

[@julieparsons3216]

Actually she says " hi I'm a Gina" so funny yet so her. but yeah you are exactly correct in her food 💯💋

[@umfiona]

Julie parsons everything she says is music to my ears. Isn’t she just ADORABLE! And her recipes are from the ❤️. May you live a long and healthy life beautiful Gina.

[@susanpeterson7135]

Gina, you make my heart smile....being in your kitchen while you cook and eating your food would be on anybody's bucket list!

[@cherrycola3653]

She is so cute. I am Native American and I am here so I can make my pasta shells stuffing and sauce authentic. I would hope if anyone is trying to make some good fried bread and red Chile stew they would search for authentic Native American foods. Thank you for sharing grandma's native Italian cooking so we can learn how to make it the right way for our families. She is adorable and I bet she is a whole lot of sunshine. 🙏 Always respect our elders. They seen alot and have so much wisdom.

[@Dirtbiker-guy]

I find it impossible to watch this lovely angel without a huge smile on my face.

[@davethesamuraichef5205]

Thank you nonna for teaching me the right way to make the stuffing. I could never get the stuffing right.

[@joybmassa]

Over the weekend I made ravioli after checking your video ! It was from so long ago, I was struck by how you and your “family cameraman” have progressed as your series has come along! Thank you for sharing and continuing and being a cook I can count on for advice when I need help! Your help brings my food to my family that they love 💕 and reminds us of my Granmom and Dad’s cooking! Thank you!

[@TheChenelle92]

I love it when she sings to us. ❤️

[@InFltSvc]

This is a beautiful thing. I hope your grandchildren and family appreciate you ! I am half Italian and half Polish. My Polish grandmother taught me how to cook her country way , but unfortunately my other grandmother did not do so much. It’s important to keep your family heritage for many reasons. Thank God we are free in America to do this.... blessings to you and your family

[@annmarie4794]

As always, it was so nice to be a part of your cooking and life. ❤️

[@spoostad]

This is how I make it too. Many thanks to Gina;s son in law for creating her channel and filming!!

[@sandraherrera1149]

Her family is really blessed to have such a wonderful and beautiful mother and grandmother in their life. Ms. Gina, I love you. God bless you.❤❤🙏🙏

[@Bitcoin787]

God bless her...❤🙌🙌🙌🙏🙏🙏🙌🙌🙌🙂🫰✌️✌️✌️

[@sydnib707]

I can't begin to express my feelings watching these videos. My very Italian grandmother was my best friend. I lost her when I was 11 and at 27 years old now, there isnt a single day I don't miss her and think of her. These make me cry tears of happiness because you remind me so much of her. These videos bring me so much happiness and comfort.... And hunger. ❤❤❤

[@giannirocky747]

god bless our grandparents and grand parents of the past without them we will not be here

[@sandraseeraj3151]

The camera is perfect please people don’t complain just watch n enjoy she is great

[@beverlynicolois6895]

I just love her.. that is the way "real italian" food is made......

[@joanshute3384]

Hello momma Gina I Love, Love, Love this dish. I really like that everything is homemade. You put your heart into every dish you make. I love to hear you sing . Thank you for sharing your Recipe with us .As so many won't give their Recipes out. You are deffently one sweet grandmom and I love to watch your videos. So until next time God Bless you and your family and have a Blessed Evening. Much love to my dear Friend. ❤❤❤

[@rwilson208]

You never fail to make me hungry. I wish that I had my grandmother still with us. She was a great cook and baker. She learned a lot from watching her mother cook, especially in the depression of the 1920s. I love and I miss her so. I learned some of my recipes from her. I hope that your family knows what a true treasure and family historian that you really are.

[@MrsCox-uz4jy]

Yes, God bless our immigrant grandmothers. These ladies made us who we are today.

[@ginamoretti9716]

making these again , shes the best cook!!!!

[@christypoos9728]

You a great cooking teacher Gina, i hope you share you gift with the local community also. People would pay good money to learn real good Italian cooking, and your recipes would be carried on to others. Good luck. Ill always be watching. Roasted Garlic bread would go good with your stuffed shells.

[@darlenehoover6577]

"A lilla more salt. A lilla more pepper". I love this woman! And those stuffed shells...😋🥰😋

[@pearlcjam]

I too am Italian- my father was the cook and I remember him singing when he cooked. I love you Gina- you have flooded me with memories ❤️

[@MJK1965]

Whenever you go to an Italian Nonna's house. You definitely don't leave hungry. 😊

[@yogi6869]

I wish I could add a photo. Made this tonight and the only deviation, I added cooked spinach to the filling. AMAZING. Thank you for posting your fabulous recipes!!!

[@paulinemonastero322]

Is there anyone as sweet as this lady - I don’t think so. I can just imagine what her house smells like at any given day. What a joy she gives sharing her very own recipes and what a treat for us that we get to make an authentic meal. Thank you for sharing and keep on singing.

[@EnlightnMe48]

She's adorable ❤

[@kathymaske8997]

She like a warm blanket on a cold day.

[@debraloeffler9670]

She so enjoys cooking, love her. So natural.❤

[@jo6520]

Everything she makes looks so delicious!!! I wish she was my grandma!

[@LLynneM]

Agreed.

[@KnitHappens]

You sure do make me miss my Grandma and Mom. God bless you!

[@alexc.3412]

The singing and cooking...bellísima

[@debdebdoodle]

I make these exactly the same-ah! God Bless this Beautiful Lady - What a Treasure she is!!! Sing to me Gina!!!!😘

[@serena7397]

Mmm momma mia Gina! It's been a couple year's since I've made shell's! Now...Ima hungry for them...Sunday Dinner! Will you be vloging any specific recipes for the holidays? Meaning special recipes that you cook or bake for Thanksgiving and Christmas?. Have a blessed week Gina! 🙏💙

[@BuonAPetitti]

I have a video out on my Thanksgiving stuffing, fried zucchini and stuffed mushrooms. I make these every year for Thanksgiving. I have videos out with Christmas traditions such as Scartellate, Zeppole, Baccala soup and Baccala salad. I hope you get a chance to watch them. I plan to put out a few new cookie videos before Christmas.

[@shirynbaldaccini3385]

Italian Grandma is just adorable! Her cute Italian accent! Love watching her making food with such a joy, love, and passion! God bless her!😘

[@ritapita-fk5cg]

Yes I love when she was singing like she was serenading her food which I bet made it taste 10x better

[@verabrunobossio2857]

Thank you for sharing your heart and love beautiful memories 😊👩‍🎤

[@akraft12345]

Really enjoyed your cooking video and songs. Nothing better than a Grandmother's cooking!

[@kimcassese4337]

My husband talked about his Grandma making stuffed shells for years. I admit I was completely intimidated just thinking about it. Stumbled (YAY!) upon this youtube channel. I watched the video once or twice and wrote down all the directions. I followed it to the letter and it turned out AMAZING! My husband ohhh'd and ahhh'd for days. It made a big batch, one 8 1/2 x 11 and then another 4 x 4, which I froze. So good! Thank you for teaching us all!

[@Klunck42]

Gina, I have made this twice and it is just the most wonderful dish. I make most of the dishes that you have on here. The next one is the polenta and I cannot wait to taste it! Love your videos and you 🥰. You are a true treasure!!🌺

[@doctordoom02]

Polenta is not so good. What makes it good is what you put on. My advice: ragu or a sausage with mushrooms, garlic, parcel, pepper and milk cream. P. S. these are all common recipes for me (I'm Italian)

[@Elida.aleman.61]

Thank you for telling me about the you sing I didn't no what it did but I felt it was a beautiful song God bless you and your recipes because not only are they delicious but your songs makes the recipe extra special. My dad you to say a good meal comes from the heart ♥ making things with love your meals will always be delicious 😋

[@arlenerodriguez4314]

I am always smiling when I watch your vids. Not only are your recipes DEEELIOUS, but you have such a BEAUTIFUL spirit. And, I especially LOVE IT when you sing. You are an absolute pleasure and a FABULOUS cook!! Stuffed shells is my favorite Italian baked dish. I have learned much from you. Thank you sooo much. God Bless. :)

[@christypoos9728]

Love the print out of the recipe. Easy to do a screen shot an not have to rite it out.. thank you.

[@carolgaskill8505]

I discovered your videos a few months ago and I can't stop watching them. Your recipes are amazing! Love them. You put a smile on my face when I watch them. My parents were in Italy way back when and my mother brought back some Italian recipes, a meatball and sauce recipe that is amazing. Growing up in a big city, not NY, having Italian food available around the corner, and now watching you, brings such a smile on my face. I unfortunately live in a rural area now, and not being able to get the right ingredients can be quite annoying. That's okay though, because when I do go home for a visit I stock up. God bless you and thank you. I may not be Italian but you are an excellent cook. Keep singing. I'm also a subscriber.

[@aliciamullins8834]

My husbands grandfather was from Italy so all of his aunts make recipes like yours! Cooking has always been big in my family and for years I’ve been trying to practice making Italian recipes to impress everyone ! So a wife and mother from Michigan thanks you for sharing! Hoping that I can wow everyone when I give this recipe a try! ☺️

[@susanheisler9940]

She makes it so simple. Better than TV obnoxious cooks. Better than my father who was a great cook. She’s a wonderful pleasant sweet charming woman. Thank you for filming her for all time.

[@makeupjessabel594]

I wouldn’t want to spend my New Years any other way then watch this beautiful human being 💚💟❤️

[@shailaleysner2990]

Greetings from Holland, we love you 💙❤

[@RickMahoney2013]

I've watched a lot of Grandma's videos.....I wish I could reach through the computer screen with a spoon and take a big dip...with Grandma's permission of course....Thanks You Grandma for making such delicious looking food.

[@quirozfa]

She is adorable, love watching her cook and hearing her. Love her. :)

[@dmack47yo]

as soon as she said "stfuffa ah shella" i knew it was gonna be good as hell

[@nicoleb3459]

All I do is smile when I watchaa Ms Gina coooka!! Love this lady like my Nana

[@foxx2990]

She is soooo sweet...bless her. What a good woman 💕💕💕

[@franstaffa198]

She is beautiful. What a creative mind she has to make these special dishes. By the time she makes these dishes I am starved and ready to enjoy with a glass of wine. Thank you Gina for teaching me how to make these Italian dishes.

[@cazza6111]

Oh Gina, I'm so hungry looking at you cooking ur lovely food. Love beautiful rosa Gina xx

[@Mikey95Mendoza28]

I'm no Italian but I'm a huge fan of Italian food

[@patjones4250]

When we cook Gina recipes, I think we get to be honorary Italians 😘

[@Earle29]

Completely enjoy watching Gina cook. When she started singing, my heart melted. She so enjoys cooking.

[@yolifebles2666]

My respect and gratitude to your recipes. Gramma you are the best Italian chef.