Midi Market Herb-Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells
Freshly made pasta shells filled with herbed ricotta and tomato-basil sauce, featuring seasonal produce from Brussels markets. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 65 minutes pairs Fresh pasta dough, Ricotta cheese, Fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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 oz Fresh pasta dough
- 8 oz Ricotta cheese
- 3 tbsp Fresh basil
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 14 oz Canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 medium Zucchini
- 1/2 cup Red bell pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Roll 12 oz fresh pasta dough into 1/8-inch sheets, then cut into 3-inch circles using a cookie cutter. Boil in salted water for 2 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Mix 8 oz ricotta with 3 tbsp chopped fresh basil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth.
- Step 3: Sauté 1/2 cup diced zucchini and 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper in 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat for 5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Step 4: In a saucepan, combine 14 oz crushed tomatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil and simmer for 15 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Spoon ricotta mixture into cooled pasta shells, then arrange in a baking dish. Top with tomato sauce and roasted vegetables. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Midi Market Herb-Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (30 min prep + 35 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 Midi Market Herb-Ricotta Stuffed Pasta 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 fresh pasta dough from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Midi Market Herb-Ricotta Stuffed Pasta 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 Midi Market Herb-Ricotta Stuffed Pasta 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 Midi Market Herb-Ricotta Stuffed Pasta 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
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.