– 12–16 jumbo pasta shells
– 2 cups ricotta cheese
– 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Creating Easy Stuffed Shells can be a fun and enjoyable task. Follow these simple steps for delicious results:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
4. Stuff the Shells: Using a spoon, fill each cooked shell with the ricotta mixture.
5. Spread Marinara Sauce: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom.
6. Arrange the Shells: Place the stuffed shells in the dish, seam side up, and cover with the remaining marinara sauce.
7. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the shells.
8. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Cool Down: Once out of the oven, allow the shells to cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors settle.
10. Serve Warm: Garnish with additional parsley if desired and serve while hot!
By following these steps, you’ll create an incredible, cheesy dish that will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds.