Comfort food, but make it a little bit fiery.
These spicy baby marrow and ricotta pasta shells are the kind of dish that feels both indulgent and effortless – perfect for a weeknight dinner that still delivers on flavour. Tender pasta shells cradle a creamy ricotta filling, while sautéed baby marrow brings a fresh, delicate sweetness that balances the gentle heat of chilli.
Finished with a drizzle of olive oil and a generous grating of Parmesan, it’s a beautifully simple dish that leans on a handful of ingredients to create something truly satisfying. Think soft, creamy, slightly spicy, and packed with garden-fresh goodness – the kind of meal you’ll come back to whenever you need a little comfort with a kick.
Ingredients
- 3 baby marrows, grated
- 320 grams ricotta
- ¾ cup grated parmesan
- 50 grams toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds
- 3 egg yolks
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Tbsp. thyme leaves, plus extra to garnish
- ½ tsp. chilli flakes
- 5 cups tomato pasta sauce
- 250 grams large pasta shells
Instructions
PREHEAT oven to 200°C. Oil a shallow 2.5-litre ovenproof dish.
MIX together the baby marrow, ricotta, parmesan, nuts or seeds, egg yolks, garlic, thyme and chilli in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Spread pasta sauce into the prepared dish. Spoon baby marrow mixture into uncooked pasta shells and arrange on top of the sauce.
COVER with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for a further 15 minutes or until the pasta is tender and cheese is browned lightly.
SERVE pasta sprinkled with extra thyme.
Notes
TIP: Ricotta is lovely, but if you don't have some on hand, use another creamy cheese such as cream cheese or soft feta.
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ALSO SEE: CAULIFLOWER & ROCKET RISOTTO RECIPE
