Joyful Lemon Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Tender pasta shells filled with creamy lemon-infused ricotta and herbs, baked in a bright tomato sauce for a dish that sparkles with flavor. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 48 minutes pairs jumbo pasta shells, whole-milk ricotta cheese, lemon zest for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 8 oz whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a bowl, combine 8 oz ricotta cheese, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and 1 large egg. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Step 2: Fill each of the 12 jumbo pasta shells with 2 tbsp of the ricotta mixture using a spoon, pressing gently to fill. Arrange stuffed shells in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Step 3: Pour 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce evenly over the shells, then sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Bake uncovered for 25-28 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is golden brown.
- Step 4: Let rest for 10 minutes before serving, then garnish with 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil to add a vibrant pop of color and aroma.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Joyful Lemon Ricotta Stuffed Shells take to make?
Total time is about 48 minutes (20 min prep + 28 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Joyful Lemon Ricotta Stuffed Shells?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep jumbo pasta shells from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Joyful Lemon Ricotta Stuffed Shells?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Joyful Lemon Ricotta Stuffed Shells for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Joyful Lemon Ricotta Stuffed Shells vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this joyful are incredible.
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
