Ingredients:

For the Stuffed Shells:

• 12-16 large jumbo pasta shells
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

2. Prepare the filling:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and fully combined.

3. Assemble the stuffed shells:

• Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Using a spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture. Place the stuffed shells seam side up in the baking dish.
• Once all the shells are filled, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle with any remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

4. Bake the shells:

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
• After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

5. Serve:

• Remove from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or additional parsley if desired.

Tips:

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold from the fridge.
• Add Protein: For a heartier dish, consider adding cooked ground beef, sausage, or spinach to the ricotta mixture.
• Flavor Variations: Feel free to mix in other herbs like thyme or basil into the cheese filling for additional flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your stuffed shells with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian meal. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy Stuffed Shells—a comforting classic that’s sure to please everyone!