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Continuing with the recipe for Cheesy Italian Delight: Baked Stuffed Shells, let’s dive into the detailed preparation steps to ensure your dish comes out perfect.

Baked Italian Stuffed Shells with Marinara

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Italian Delight: Baked Stuffed Shells recipe! Filled with creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella cheese, these jumbo pasta shells are the perfect family meal, bursting with rich flavors and aromatic herbs. Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients, you can adapt this dish for any diet or add veggies for a nutritional boost. Bake until golden and bubbly for a warm and inviting dinner that will impress everyone at your table.

Ingredients
  

20 jumbo pasta shells

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (plus more for topping)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the jumbo shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.

    Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

      Stuff the Shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon a thin layer of marinara sauce (about 1 cup) onto the bottom of a large baking dish. Using a teaspoon or piping bag, fill each pasta shell with the ricotta cheese mixture. Arrange the filled shells in the dish, open side up.

        Add Sauce and Cheese: Once all the shells are arranged, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the additional mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

          Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

            Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 50 minutes | 4 servings