Stellar Lemon Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Delicate pasta shells filled with bright lemon-herb ricotta, baked in a light tomato sauce for a refreshing meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 55 minutes pairs jumbo pasta shells, ricotta cheese, lemon zest for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 ricotta cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1.5 cups low-sodium marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 jumbo pasta shells for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 egg, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Step 3: Fill each cooked pasta shell with 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture using a spoon. Arrange stuffed shells in a baking dish and cover with 1.5 cups low-sodium marinara sauce. Bake for 25-30 minutes until sauce is bubbling and shells are heated through. Garnish with 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stellar Lemon Ricotta Stuffed Shells take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 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 Stellar 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 Stellar 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 Stellar Lemon 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.
What goes well with Stellar Lemon Ricotta Stuffed Shells?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
