Get ready to transform your dinner table with the most irresistible Italian-inspired dish that's about to become your new obsession! These Cheesy Shell Stuffed Shells are not just a meal - they're a creamy, cheesy experience that will have your family begging for seconds. Imagine perfectly cooked jumbo pasta shells, generously stuffed with a luxurious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, then baked to golden perfection in a rich marinara sauce. Whether you're a pasta lover, a cheese enthusiast, or just someone looking for the ultimate comfort food, this recipe is your ticket to culinary bliss!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 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, and the egg. Season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a thin layer to prevent shells from sticking.
- Using a spoon, carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture, ensuring each shell is generously stuffed.
- Arrange the filled shells in a single layer in the baking dish over the marinara sauce.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, covering them evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the top of the shells.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the dish to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Cook your pasta shells just until al dente - they'll continue cooking in the oven, so you want to avoid overcooking.
- Use a spoon or piping bag to fill the shells evenly and neatly. This ensures each bite is packed with cheesy goodness.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps the shells set and makes serving much easier.
- For extra flavor, try adding some fresh herbs like basil or oregano to your cheese mixture.
- If you want to make this ahead of time, you can assemble the dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.
- For a lighter version, you can use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheeses.
- Ensure your marinara sauce covers the shells completely to prevent them from drying out during baking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 95mg
