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Easy Stuffed Shells Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting and satisfying meal, these easy stuffed shells are the perfect choice! This recipe features large pasta shells filled with a delicious mixture of cheese and herbs, all topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. It's great for family dinners or special occasions!
Ingredients
- 12-15 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, ½ cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture and place them in the baking dish, open side up.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking) and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Stuffed Shells
- Feel free to customize the cheese mixture by adding spinach, ground meat, or other vegetables.
- For a creamier sauce, mix some cream cheese into the ricotta stuffing.
- Make it ahead of time! You can assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to bake.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Conclusion
This easy stuffed shells recipe is sure to become a family favorite. With its cheesy filling and savory marinara sauce, it’s a delicious meal that everyone will love. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, give this recipe a try tonight!
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