Get ready to transform your dinner table with a mouthwatering Italian classic that promises to be the star of any meal! These Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells are not just a dish; they're a creamy, cheesy journey that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. Imagine perfectly cooked jumbo shells generously filled with a rich blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, then baked to golden perfection – this recipe is about to become your new comfort food obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined and smooth.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish to prevent the shells from sticking.
- Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each pasta shell with the cheese mixture, ensuring they are generously stuffed but not overflowing.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish, seam side up. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, covering them evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of the shells.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Cook pasta shells just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
- Use a piping bag or a spoon for neat and even cheese filling distribution.
- Don't overfill the shells – leave a little room to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano to your cheese mixture.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make serving easier.
- If you want a crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread to complete this delicious meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 95mg
