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Easy Stuffed Shells

45-Minute Easy Stuffed Shells: Creamy Comfort in Every Bite

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Easy stuffed shells are a comforting and family-friendly dish filled with a creamy cheese mixture and topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 30 ounces whipped cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
  • 6 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 egg
  • 1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
  • ¾ cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped (about 8 to 10 leaves)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
  • 28 ounces marinara sauce
  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of the dish. Set aside.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta shells and cook until 3 minutes shy of al dente – according to the package directions.
  4. Drain pasta shells and rinse with cool water. Set aside.
  5. In a large bowl, combine whipped cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper.
  6. Spoon mixture into shells and place them in the baking dish, nestling them in the sauce.
  7. Cover shells with remaining sauce and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
  8. Bake for 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use whipped cottage cheese for a smoother texture.
  • Fresh basil adds the best flavor, but dried basil can be substituted in a pinch.
  • For extra richness, mix in a little shredded mozzarella with the filling.
  • Author: Emily Frost
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Pasta
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg