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Stuffed Cheese Shells A Cheesy Comforting Classic

Stuffed Cheese Shells A Cheesy Comforting Classic

Stuffed Cheese Shells A Cheesy Comforting Classic is a warm and filling dish featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta mixture, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. It's a family favorite that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6-8 servings servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 385
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box (12 oz) jumbo pasta shells
  • 2 cups (15 oz container) ricotta cheese
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups (32 oz jar) marinara sauce

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the jumbo shells according to package directions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  3. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, eggs, parsley, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and smooth.
  4. Spread 2 cups of marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  5. Stuff each shell with the cheese mixture and arrange them in a single layer over the sauce.
  6. Pour the remaining 2 cups of marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
  7. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cook a few extra shells in case some break during handling. For a protein boost, add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the cheese mixture. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.