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The Best Herbed Ricotta Stuffed

The Best Herbed Ricotta Stuffed

The Best Herbed Ricotta Stuffed is a creamy, fresh, and versatile filling recipe combining fluffy ricotta cheese with fragrant basil, parsley, and thyme herbs. Perfect for stuffing pasta shells, vegetables, or breads, it offers a rich, vibrant flavor balanced by Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil. This easy-to-make dish delivers comforting creaminess and bright herbal notes, making it ideal for appetizers, snacks, or meal additions.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (drained if necessary)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with finely chopped fresh basil, parsley, and thyme, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Drizzle in olive oil and stir gently until everything is evenly incorporated, creating a creamy, flavorful mixture.
  2. Choose Your Base: Prepare your vessels such as large pasta shells, zucchini boats, or hollowed bell peppers by cooking or hollowing them out as needed to get them ready for stuffing.
  3. Stuff and Arrange: Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each prepared base evenly with the herbed ricotta mixture. Arrange the stuffed items neatly in a baking dish to ensure even cooking and attractive presentation.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Bake the stuffed pasta or vegetables at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set and the tops begin to lightly brown, forming a gentle crust while locking in the flavors.
  5. Garnish and Serve: After baking, sprinkle fresh chopped herbs or drizzle a bit of high-quality olive oil over the stuffed items. Serve immediately for a warm, comforting dish.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs elevate the flavor far beyond dried alternatives.
  • Drain Ricotta if Necessary: Remove excess moisture to avoid a watery filling.
  • Season as You Go: Taste and adjust salt and pepper while mixing to get the perfect balance.
  • Don’t Overfill: Leave a small space in your bases to prevent stuffing from spilling during baking.
  • Allow Rest Time: Let the dish cool for a few minutes after baking for the flavors to meld beautifully.

Nutrition

Keywords: herbed ricotta stuffing, ricotta cheese recipe, stuffed pasta shells, herbed cheese filling, baked stuffed vegetables, easy ricotta stuffing