Satisfy your cravings with this irresistibly cheesy pasta dish! Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a creamy ricotta mixture, baked to perfection with marinara sauce, and topped with gooey melted cheese. It’s an easy and comforting recipe perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients:
For the Shells:
20 jumbo pasta shells
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
2 cups marinara sauce
½ lb ground beef (optional)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Topping:
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped
How to Prepare Cheesy Stuffed Shells Delight
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Cook the Sauce
If using ground beef, brown it in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat. Next, stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (optional). Let it simmer for 5 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Spread a thin layer of the marinara sauce over the bottom of a baking dish. Fill each shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Arrange the stuffed shells neatly in the dish and pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top.
Step 5: Bake
Sprinkle the shells with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
Finally, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy every bite of this cheesy, comforting goodness!
Tips for Success
Use a piping bag to fill the shells for a cleaner and quicker process.
If you prefer a vegetarian option, skip the ground beef and add sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the sauce.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
50 minutes
Servings:
4-6
Calories:
450 kcal per serving
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a special gathering, this dish always impresses.
Customizable: Add your favorite ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, or extra spices to make it your own.
Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal effort, this recipe is great even for beginners.
Let me know if you’d like to include any additional features, like pairing suggestions or nutritional breakdowns!
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