Stuffed Shells with Pesto

Stuffed Shells with Pesto is a classic Italian-American pasta dish where large, shell-shaped pasta tubes are filled with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture and baked in a vibrant basil pesto sauce. It typically features ingredients like jumbo pasta shells, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh basil pesto, often with additions like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is a balanced but hearty meal, providing a good mix of protein from the cheese filling and carbohydrates from the pasta. A typical serving offers significant calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin K, with a calorie range of approximately 450-550 kcal.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	490 kcal
Protein	24 g
Carbs	42 g
Fat	24 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	4 g
Sodium	680 mg
Calcium	350 mg
Phosphorus	280 mg
Vitamin K	35 mcg
Vitamin A	250 IU
Potassium	220 mg
Iron	2.5 mg
Magnesium	30 mg
Zinc	2.8 mg

Per 3 large stuffed shells (about 270 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, it showcases the Italian principle of 'cucina povera' (peasant cooking) by transforming simple, inexpensive ingredients like pasta and cheese into a satisfying, elegant meal. Nutritionally, the pesto sauce provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil and antioxidants from fresh basil.