Description
Delicious stuffed shells filled with creamy ricotta, savory herbs, and topped with marinara sauce, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 large pasta shells
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (or 1 tablespoon dried basil)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup sautéed spinach or cooked lean ground beef or turkey
- Optional for serving: Fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Start by boiling the pasta shells in salted water until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- While the shells are cooking, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, and basil in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Carefully stuff each shell with the cheese mixture and place them in the baking dish, opening side up.
- Once all shells are filled, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Once baked, let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Feel free to mix and match ingredients based on your taste. This recipe is versatile, allowing for various fillings and toppings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg