Print

Easy Lemon Ricotta Stuffed Shells with a Creamy, Zesty Twist

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.4 from 139 reviews

Delightful stuffed pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta mixture and zesty lemon, topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Zest
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley
  • 1 large Egg
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • 18 oz Large Pasta Shells
  • 24 oz Marinara Sauce
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese
  • to taste Extra Lemon Zest
  • to taste Fresh Basil Leaves
  • to taste Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

Instructions

  1. Boil the Pasta Shells. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the large pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Ricotta Filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended, then set aside.
  3. Stuff the Shells. Once the pasta shells are cool enough to handle, gently fill each shell with the ricotta mixture, ensuring you fill each one generously.
  4. Assemble the Dish. Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the stuffed shells seam-side up in the dish, then pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top.
  5. Add the Toppings. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the stuffed shells. For an extra burst of flavor, add more lemon zest, fresh basil leaves, and crushed red pepper flakes on top.
  6. Bake to Perfection. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  7. Let it Rest. Once out of the oven, allow the shells to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Notes

These stuffed shells can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to three days. Consider freezing unbaked shells for longer storage.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://pennykitchenz.com/lemon-ricotta-stuffed-shells-creamy-zesty-twist/

Scroll to Top