Lemon-Zest Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Jumbo pasta shells filled with herbed ricotta and lemon zest, baked in a tangy tomato sauce for a vibrant vegetarian dish. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs jumbo pasta shells, whole-milk ricotta, fresh lemon zest for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 1 cup whole-milk ricotta
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon zest
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook 12 jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix 1 cup whole-milk ricotta, 2 tbsp lemon zest, and 1/4 cup chopped basil until smooth and well combined.
- Step 3: Spoon ricotta mixture into each cooked pasta shell, arranging them in a baking dish. Pour 2 cups tomato sauce over the top, then sprinkle with 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Bake for 25 minutes until cheese is golden and sauce is bubbling.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Zest Ricotta Stuffed Shells take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Lemon-Zest 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 Lemon-Zest 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 Lemon-Zest Ricotta Stuffed Shells for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Lemon-Zest 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
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
