Description
These lemon basil ricotta stuffed shells bake in a light, creamy spring sauce featuring fresh herbs and citrus. They are bright, elegant, and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 box jumbo pasta shells (use about 20–24)
- 1½ cups ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (for topping)
- Extra basil or lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain the shells and spread them on parchment paper to cool.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
- Fill each shell with about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture. Arrange the filled shells snugly in the prepared baking dish.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth and heavy cream.
- Cook the sauce for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper to your taste.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the shells. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the sauce bubbles and the tops look lightly golden.
- Let the shells cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with extra basil and a touch of lemon zest, then serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute some of the heavy cream with milk to make a lighter sauce.
- Add spinach to the ricotta filling for added color and nutrients.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American