Description
Cheesy Baked Pasta Shells are the ultimate comfort food, featuring large pasta shells generously stuffed with a creamy ricotta and mozzarella mixture, all baked in a luscious marinara sauce. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will impress everyone at the table. With its golden, bubbly topping and inviting aroma, this recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience you’ll want to share again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the pasta shells until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain carefully.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and basil until well combined.
- Stuff each shell with the cheese mixture and place seam-side up in the baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let cool briefly before serving. Garnish with extra basil if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 45mg