Stuffed Shells
Delicious jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese mixture, baked in rich marinara sauce, making a perfect comfort food favorite.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 pieces jumbo pasta shells Large pasta shells for stuffing.
- 2 cups marinara sauce Divided into two parts.
Cheese Filling
- 15 oz ricotta cheese Main ingredient for filling.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Used in filling and for topping.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds a sharp flavor to the filling.
- 1 large egg Helps bind the filling together.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs For seasoning the filling.
Seasoning
- to taste Salt For seasoning.
- to taste Pepper For seasoning.
- Fresh for garnish basil For garnishing at the end.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil a pot of water and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay aside to cool slightly.
Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half a cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth.
Assembly
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish.
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta mixture and place them snugly in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
Baking
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.
Serving
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
For best results, use high-quality ingredients and avoid overcooking the pasta. These shells can also be customized with various fillings.