Indulge in the creamy goodness of these stuffed shells. Filled with a rich and flavorful cheese mixture, and baked in a luscious tomato sauce, this dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests. Get ready to delight your taste buds with this easy-to-follow recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 box large pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, chopped parsley, beaten egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Using a spoon, stuff each pasta shell with the cheese mixture. Place the stuffed shells into the baking dish in a single layer.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, covering them completely.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Stuffed shells originated in Italy and are known as 'conchiglioni ripieni' in Italian.
This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated, making it a convenient option for busy days.
Feel free to add cooked ground meat or vegetables to the cheese mixture for added flavor and texture.