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The Best Herbed Ricotta Stuffed

The Best Herbed Ricotta Stuffed
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The Best Herbed Ricotta Stuffed recipe combines creamy whole milk ricotta cheese with a fresh blend of aromatic herbs, garlic, lemon zest, and parmesan to create a versatile and elegant filling. Ideal for stuffing pasta shells, vegetables, or baked goods, this rich, creamy, and savory dish is simple to prepare yet delivers restaurant-quality flavor and texture, perfect for family meals or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese and Dairy

  • 1 cup fresh whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping

Fresh Herbs

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped

Flavorings and Seasonings

  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Variations

  • 1/2 cup wilted spinach, chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili, to taste (optional)

Stuffing Vehicles

  • Cooked large pasta shells, halved zucchini, bell peppers, or puff pastry cups (quantity as needed)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the fresh whole milk ricotta cheese with the finely chopped parsley, basil, and thyme. Add the minced garlic, lemon zest, grated parmesan, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are smooth and evenly incorporated, creating a fresh and savory base for the filling.
  2. Choose Your Stuffing Vehicle: Prepare your preferred shells or vegetables by cooking pasta shells until al dente, or halving and lightly pre-cooking zucchini or bell peppers. Puff pastry cups should be pre-baked according to package instructions. Ensure these are ready but not overcooked, as they will bake again with the filling.
  3. Stuff Generously: Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each shell, vegetable cavity, or pastry cup with the prepared herbed ricotta mixture. Fill generously but avoid overfilling to allow heat to circulate evenly during baking and to maintain an attractive presentation.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Arrange the stuffed items in a lightly greased baking dish. Optionally, sprinkle additional parmesan cheese or mozzarella on top for a golden, crispy crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese filling is bubbly and slightly golden. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs for the brightest and most vibrant flavor.
  • Drain ricotta cheese using cheesecloth or a fine sieve for a thicker, less watery filling.
  • Don’t overfill each shell or vegetable to ensure even baking and prevent overflow.
  • Season generously with salt, pepper, and lemon zest to enhance all flavors.
  • Adding a topping of mozzarella or parmesan before baking will yield a deliciously crispy crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: herbed ricotta, stuffed shells, baked ricotta, fresh herbs, appetizer, gluten-free, creamy filling

Find it online: https://withnora.com/the-best-herbed-ricotta-stuffed/