Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Cheesy stuffed shells are large pasta shells filled with a creamy cheese mixture and topped with marinara sauce, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
For the filling
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- to taste Salt and pepper
For the pasta and sauce
- 20-25 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well until you achieve a creamy consistency.
Assembly
- Pour a thin layer of marinara sauce into the bottom of a baking dish.
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture and place them in the baking dish over the sauce.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Optionally, sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top.
Baking
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
- Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
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Notes
To achieve the best cheesy stuffed shells, do not overcook the pasta. Consider adding sautéed garlic or onion to the cheese filling for added flavor. The dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated overnight before baking.