Description
Delicious and comforting Stuffed Shells filled with a creamy ricotta and cheese mixture baked in savory marinara sauce. This Italian classic is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, featuring jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and herbs, baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Cheese Filling
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Preparation
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta Shells: Boil salted water and cook the jumbo pasta shells for about 8 minutes until they are al dente. Drain the shells and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process.
- Make Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, the egg, chopped parsley, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Stuff each pasta shell with about 1–2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture and place them seam-side up in the dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese Topping: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the stuffed shells rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow them to set and cool slightly.
Notes
- For extra protein and flavor, you can add cooked spinach, ground beef, or Italian sausage to the cheese filling mixture.
- This recipe can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator overnight or frozen before baking for convenience.
