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Cheesy Baked Stuffed Shells with Marinara Recipe

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4.3 from 24 reviews

  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Large pasta shells stuffed with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, baked in a rich marinara tomato sauce and topped with melted cheese. This classic Italian comfort food offers a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 20–25 jumbo pasta shells

Cheese Filling

  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: spinach or parsley

Sauce

  • 2 cups marinara sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the stuffed shells evenly.
  2. Cook Pasta Shells: Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain them carefully and let them cool so they are easier to handle when stuffing.
  3. Prepare Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, minced garlic, and egg. Season with salt and pepper, and mix thoroughly until smooth. You can optionally add chopped spinach or parsley for extra flavor and nutrients.
  4. Stuff the Shells: Using a spoon or your hands, fill each cooled pasta shell generously with the cheese mixture, making sure not to overfill to avoid spills.
  5. Arrange in Baking Dish: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer over the sauce.
  6. Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese on top for a golden, bubbly finish.
  7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. Bake until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
  8. Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving warm. Enjoy your comforting Italian stuffed shells!

Notes

  • For a meatier option, add cooked ground beef or sausage to the cheese filling.
  • Incorporate fresh spinach or parsley in the filling for added flavor and nutrition.
  • Cover the baking dish with foil during the first half of baking to prevent the shells from drying out.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://justsosweet.com/cheesy-baked-stuffed-shells-with-marinara-recipe/