Stuffed cheese shells
Ingredients:
- Jumbo pasta shells
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Egg
- Spinach, chopped (optional)
- Garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Marinara sauce
Instructions:
- Cook Pasta Shells: Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Be sure to add salt to the boiling water for flavor.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, a beaten egg, chopped spinach (if using), minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Stuff Shells: Once the pasta shells are cooked, drain them and let them cool slightly. Then, carefully stuff each shell with the cheese mixture. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for this.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature (usually around 375°F or 190°C). Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the stuffed shells in the dish, and cover them with more marinara sauce. Sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake Again: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired.
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste. You can add cooked ground meat, such as beef or sausage, to the cheese mixture for a heartier version. Additionally, you can experiment with different herbs and spices to enhance the flavor. Enjoy your delicious stuffed cheese shells!
