Easy Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
- 12 ozjumbo pasta shells
- 1 tbspkosher salt
- 30 ozwhipped cottage cheese
or ricotta cheese
- 6 ozparmesan cheese
grated
- 1egg
- 1garlic clove
minced
- 1 tbspfresh parsley
minced
- ¾ cfresh basil leaves)
finely chopped (about 8 to 10 leaves
- ½ tspsalt
- ½ tspfresh ground pepper
- 28 ozmarinara sauce
- 8 ozmozzarella cheese
grated
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F.
- 2
Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of the dish. Set aside.
- 3
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta shells and cook pasta shells until 3 minutes shy of al dente - according to the package directions.
- 4
Drain pasta shells and rinse with cool water. Set aside.
- 5
In a large bowl, combine whipped cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, basil, salt and pepper.
- 6
Spoon mixture into shells and place shells in baking dish, nestling them in the sauce.
- 7
Cover shells with remaining sauce and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- 8
Bake for 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Serve immediately.
Easy Stuffed Shells
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 52 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying dinner that’s surprisingly simple to pull together on a busy weeknight? These Easy Stuffed Shells are your answer, delivering restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss.
This recipe works wonders because it focuses on a smooth, creamy, and incredibly flavorful filling. By combining whipped cottage cheese (or ricotta) with a generous amount of grated Parmesan, an egg for binding, and a vibrant blend of fresh parsley and basil, you create a harmonious balance that elevates every bite. It’s a classic dish made accessible, proving that delicious home cooking doesn't have to be complicated.
Prepare for a truly comforting experience. You'll enjoy tender jumbo pasta shells, each generously packed with a rich, herbaceous cheese mixture, all nestled in a savory marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella. The fresh garlic, parsley, and basil infuse the filling with bright, aromatic notes that cut through the richness, ensuring every forkful is a delight. This dish is designed to be a deeply satisfying and complete meal, perfect for gathering the family around the table.
Customization & Variations
- Feel free to swap between whipped cottage cheese or ricotta cheese based on your preference for the creamy filling; both provide a smooth and delicious texture. The recipe calls for fresh parsley and basil, but if you're out, a pinch of dried Italian seasoning can work in a pinch for an herbal note, though fresh is always recommended for the best flavor.
Serve these Easy Stuffed Shells as the star of your dinner. They pair beautifully with a simple green salad or a side of crusty bread to soak up all that wonderful marinara sauce.