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Easy Stuffed Shells

Warm and cheesy pasta shells filled with a delightful blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, all baked in a zesty marinara sauce, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce
  • 12 large large pasta shells
  • 2 cups marinara sauce plus additional for serving
Cheese Filling
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese can substitute with cottage cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
Garnish
  • Fresh basil for garnish optional

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the pasta shells in salted boiling water for about 8-10 minutes until al dente.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, the egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
Assembly
  1. Drain the pasta shells and cool slightly. Fill each shell with the cheese mixture.
  2. Spread 1 cup marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells on top, then pour the remaining marinara sauce over them.
  3. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
Baking
  1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  2. Let sit for a few minutes and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option. Keep an eye on baking time, as it can vary by oven. Don’t overstuff the shells to avoid mess.