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Easy Stuffed Shells

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These easy stuffed shells are a comforting Italian-American dish featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy cheese mixture, nestled in marinara sauce, topped with mozzarella, and baked to perfection.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 30 ounces whipped cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
  • 6 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 egg
  • 1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
  • ¾ cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped (about 8 to 10 leaves)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
  • 28 ounces marinara sauce
  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook until about 3 minutes before al dente.
  4. Drain and rinse the shells with cool water, then set aside.
  5. In a large bowl, mix together the whipped cottage cheese, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper.
  6. Fill each pasta shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon and arrange them snugly in the baking dish.
  7. Cover the shells with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle grated mozzarella over the top.
  8. Bake for 25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Do not overcook the pasta; keep it slightly under al dente to prevent tearing.
  • You can prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate until baking.
  • Stuffed shells can be frozen before baking for up to 2 months.
  • Try variations like adding cooked sausage, ground beef, or spinach.
  • Serve with garlic bread, salad, or steamed vegetables.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/easy-stuffed-shells/