Stuffed Cheese Shells for Dinner
Stuffed cheese shells are always a big hit in my house. This dish combines a rich blend of cheeses and herbs, all encased in jumbo pasta shells and baked to perfection. Here’s how you can make it:
Ingredients:
- Jumbo pasta shells: Boil them first until al dente.
- Spaghetti sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce.
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp parsley
- 1 tbsp basil
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
- 3 garlic cloves, pressed
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat while you prepare the dish.
- Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and garlic. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Stuff the shells: Boil the jumbo pasta shells until they are al dente. Drain and let them cool slightly. Using an ice cream scoop, stuff each shell with the cheese mixture. This method works exceptionally well for an even and efficient filling process.
- Assemble the dish: Spread a layer of spaghetti sauce on the bottom of a baking pan. Place the stuffed shells on top of the sauce. Once all the shells are in the pan, cover them with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Finish baking: After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the cheese to turn golden and bubbly.
Serving Suggestion:
Serve these stuffed cheese shells hot, straight out of the oven. They pair perfectly with a fresh green salad and garlic bread. This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also makes for a visually appealing and comforting meal for any dinner occasion.
Enjoy your delicious stuffed cheese shells!