Cheesy Pasta Shells Stuffed with Bacon Goodness

These cheese and bacon stuffed pasta shells are the epitome of comfort food. They are filled with a creamy cheese and bacon mixture, baked with a flavorful tomato sauce, and finished off with a sprinkling of melted cheese. It's a dish that will satisfy any pasta and cheese lover!

Ingredients

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping
• Fresh parsley leaves, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled bacon, cream cheese, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
4. Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
5. Stuff the cooked pasta shells with the cheese and bacon mixture and place them in the baking dish.
6. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, covering them completely.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the shells, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves and serve hot.

Interesting Facts