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!