Italian Pasta Stuffed Shells

Looking for a comforting and delicious dish that will impress your family and friends? Italian Pasta Stuffed Shells are the perfect choice for a cozy night in or a special gathering. These shells are filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, covered in a savory marinara sauce, and baked to perfection. They are not only flavorful but also easy to make, making them a fantastic addition to your recipe collection. Let’s dive into creating this mouthwatering Italian classic!

Ingredients:
– 1 box of jumbo pasta shells
– 15 oz of ricotta cheese
– 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 1 cup of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon of onion powder
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups of marinara sauce
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set them aside to cool.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, drained spinach, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
4. Take each cooked pasta shell and spoon in a generous amount of the ricotta mixture, filling each shell completely. Place the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish, nestling them closely together.
5. Once all the shells are filled and in the baking dish, pour the marinara sauce evenly over the top of the shells, making sure to cover each one.
6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
7. Once done, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and extra flavor.
8. Serve the Italian Pasta Stuffed Shells warm, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with your loved ones!

Italian Pasta Stuffed Shells are a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your preferences. Feel free to add cooked ground beef, sausage, or mushrooms to the ricotta filling for extra heartiness and flavor. You can also top the shells with additional cheese before baking for a cheesier finish. These stuffed shells are great for meal prep as they can be assembled ahead of time and baked when ready to eat. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these Italian Pasta Stuffed Shells are sure to be a hit at your table!