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Homemade Stuffed Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Shells. photo

Stuffed Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Shells.

Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a cheesy ricotta mixture and baked in a roasted tomato-basil cream sauce for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 6 regular or heirloom tomatoes quartered
  • 1 yellow onion quartered
  • 6 garlic cloves smashed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 6 tablespoons salted butter
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • chili flakes to taste
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 pound jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded provolone cheese
  • 3/4 cup basil pesto
  • 1 cup shredded or torn mozzarella
  • basil for serving

Equipment

  • Baking Dish
  • Blender or food processor
  • Large Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a large baking dish, toss the quartered tomatoes, quartered onion, smashed garlic, thyme leaves, butter, and a generous pinch of salt, black pepper, and chili flakes.
  3. Bake the vegetables for 20–30 minutes, until the tomatoes start to char and release their juices.
  4. Carefully transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth; return the puree to the baking dish and stir in the heavy cream until combined.
  5. While the sauce bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo shells until al dente according to package directions; drain and cool slightly so they can be filled.
  6. In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta, shredded provolone, and 1/2 cup of the pesto until evenly combined.
  7. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture into each cooked shell, then arrange the filled shells in the baking dish with the tomato-cream sauce.
  8. Drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup pesto over the shells, sprinkle the mozzarella evenly on top, and bake for about 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
  • Adjust chili flakes to your heat preference.
  • Cook shells just to al dente so they hold up when baked.
  • Fresh basil brightens the finished dish.