Description
Pesto Stuffed Shells with Vodka Sauce is a delightful Italian dish that features large pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta and vibrant pesto, all smothered in a luscious vodka sauce. This comforting recipe is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, promising an explosion of flavors that will leave everyone craving more. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, these stuffed shells are sure to impress at your next meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 2 cups canned tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 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; drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, pesto, Parmesan, and half the mozzarella until smooth.
- Stuff each shell with the filling mixture.
- For the vodka sauce, sauté minced garlic in olive oil for one minute, then add tomato sauce and vodka; simmer for five minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread half of the sauce in a baking dish, place stuffed shells on top, cover with remaining sauce, and sprinkle with leftover mozzarella.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg