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Easy Stuffed Shells

Classic baked stuffed pasta shells filled with a creamy cheese-herb mixture and topped with marinara and mozzarella.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt for pasta water
  • 30 ounces whipped cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
  • 6 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 egg
  • 1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
  • 3/4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped about 8 to 10 leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
  • 28 ounces marinara sauce
  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray and spread half of the marinara sauce evenly on the bottom; set aside.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon kosher salt. Cook the jumbo pasta shells until about 3 minutes less than al dente, following package directions.
  • Drain the shells in a colander and rinse with cool water to stop cooking; set aside to cool slightly.
  • In a large bowl, combine the whipped cottage cheese or ricotta, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, minced parsley, chopped basil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper. Mix until well combined.
  • Spoon the cheese mixture into each cooled shell and place the filled shells in the prepared baking dish, nestling them into the sauce.
  • Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the filled shells and sprinkle the grated mozzarella evenly on top.
  • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes if you prefer a browned top.
  • Let rest briefly, then serve immediately.

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Spoon or Small Scoop

Notes

  • Use either whipped cottage cheese or ricotta per the ingredient list.
  • Do not overcook shells; they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
  • Chop basil finely to distribute flavor evenly.
  • Lightly spraying the baking dish prevents sticking.