Cheesy Stuffed Shells Recipe

Cheesy Stuffed Shells Recipe

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Large pasta shells filled with a creamy, flavorful ricotta cheese mixture, topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella, then baked to bubbly perfection.

Ingredients:

  • For the Filling:
    • 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
    • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese (reserve the rest for topping)
    • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
    • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper  
  • For the Rest:
    • 1 (12 ounce) box large pasta shells
    • 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
    • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    • Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).  
    • Cook the pasta shells according to package directions, until al dente (slightly firm to the bite).  
    • Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
    • Lay the shells out on a cookie sheet so that they do not stick together.
  2. Prepare the Filling:
    • In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, egg, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
    • Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Stuff the Shells:
    • Spoon the cheese filling into each cooked pasta shell, filling them generously.
  4. Assemble and Bake:
    • Pour a thin layer of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
    • Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish, seam-side up.
    • Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well covered.
    • Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese over the top.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.
  5. Cool and Serve:
    • Let the stuffed shells cool for a few minutes before serving.
    • Serve warm.

Optional additions:

  • Browned Italian sausage or cooked ground beef can be added to the filling or layered with the sauce.  
  • Spinach, either fresh or frozen (and drained), can be added to the ricotta mixture.  
  • A layer of bechamel sauce can be added ontop of the marinara before the final layer of mozzarella.

Enjoy your delicious stuffed cheese shells!

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