Description
These stuffed pasta shells are a comforting and hearty dish filled with a creamy, cheesy mixture and topped with savory marinara sauce. Baked to perfection, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for dinner or special occasions!
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta shells according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, basil (if using), sautéed onion and garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Spread 1 1/2 cups of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture and arrange them in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- You can add cooked spinach, ground meat, or sautéed mushrooms to the cheese filling for extra flavor.
- Make ahead: Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes