Description
Pesto Stuffed Shells with Vodka Sauce is a delightful culinary experience that combines creamy ricotta and aromatic basil pesto stuffed into large pasta shells, all enveloped in a luscious vodka sauce. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, this dish is both comforting and indulgent. With vibrant colors and rich flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite at your dining table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 large pasta shells
- 1 cup pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente (8–10 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, half of the Parmesan, and pesto until smooth.
- Stuff each shell generously with the ricotta-pesto mixture.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté garlic in olive oil for about 30 seconds. Add crushed tomatoes and vodka; simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in heavy cream.
- Spread vodka sauce evenly over the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then broil for an additional 5 minutes until golden.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 stuffed shells (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg