Stuffed Cheese Shells Recipe

Stuffed Cheese Shells is a classic Italian-inspired dish that features jumbo pasta shells generously filled with a creamy and savory cheese mixture, baked to perfection in a rich marinara sauce. This comforting and indulgent recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion when you want to impress your guests with a homemade meal.

To start, you’ll need jumbo pasta shells, which are boiled until al dente according to package instructions. While the pasta cooks, prepare the filling by combining a blend of cheeses such as ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan in a mixing bowl. To add depth of flavor, mix in some finely chopped fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano, along with minced garlic and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Once the pasta shells are cooked and drained, carefully stuff each one with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag, ensuring they are generously filled. Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish that has been lightly greased with olive oil or coated with marinara sauce, nestling them snugly together in a single layer.

Next, pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure they are evenly coated. You can use store-bought marinara sauce or make your own from scratch using tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs simmered together until thick and flavorful.

For an extra layer of cheesy goodness, sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the shells before baking. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the shells are heated through.

Once done, remove the foil and bake for a few more minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Garnish with fresh chopped herbs like basil or parsley before serving.

These Stuffed Cheese Shells are best enjoyed hot out of the oven, with the pasta shells tender and the cheese filling oozing with flavor. Serve them as a main course alongside a crisp green salad and some crusty garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients:
– Jumbo pasta shells (boiled)
– Spaghetti sauce
– 15 oz ricotta cheese
– 8 oz shredded Mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 1 tbsp parsley
– 1 tbsp basil
– 1 tsp oregano
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
– 3 garlic cloves, pressed
 
#### Directions:
1. **Prepare Shells:**
– Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
 
2. **Prepare Cheese Mixture:**
– In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and pressed garlic cloves. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
 
3. **Stuff Shells:**
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Spread a layer of spaghetti sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
– Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture and place them in the baking dish over the sauce.
 
4. **Top with Sauce and Mozzarella:**
– Once all the shells are stuffed and arranged in the baking dish, cover them with more spaghetti sauce.
– Sprinkle shredded Mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the shells, covering them completely.
 
5. **Bake:**
– Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
– Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
 
6. **Serve:**
– Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
– Serve the stuffed cheese shells hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
 
Enjoy this delicious and satisfying stuffed cheese shells dinner with your family!

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