Stuffed cheese shells make for a delightful and comforting dish. Here’s a recipe to guide you through making this cheesy treat:Ingredients:
For the Shells:
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, for seasoning water
For the Filling:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Additional shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional), for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish large enough to accommodate the stuffed shells.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the shells and toss them with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Take each cooked pasta shell and fill it generously with the cheese mixture, using a spoon or your fingers. Arrange the filled shells in the baking dish on top of the marinara sauce.
- Once all the shells are filled and arranged in the baking dish, spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the shells.
- Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce-covered shells.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
- Once done, remove the stuffed cheese shells from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves, if desired, before serving.
These stuffed cheese shells make a satisfying main dish for any occasion. Serve them with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete and delicious meal. Enjoy!
