The Best Stuffed Shells You’ll Ever Make

ricotta cheese

🥗Healthier: cottage cheese

💰Cheaper: cream cheese

Cottage cheese is lower in fat and calories, while cream cheese is often less expensive.

mozzarella cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Part-skim mozzarella has fewer calories, while processed cheese can be more budget-friendly.

Bring a pot of water to a boil and salt it.

Cook the jumbo pasta shells for 11 minutes until al dente.

Drain the pasta shells and run cold water over them to cool them down.

In a mixing bowl, combine the whole container of cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, and one large egg.

Add Parmesan cheese to the mixture for flavor, adjusting to your taste.

Season the cheese mixture with adobo seasoning, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Mix well.

Stuff each pasta shell with between a teaspoon and a tablespoon of the cheese filling.

Place the stuffed shells into a baking dish, stacking them if desired.

In a separate bowl, mix your favorite marinara sauce with additional seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and a little sugar to cut acidity.

Pour the seasoned marinara sauce over the stuffed shells in the baking dish.

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake the stuffed shells in the oven until hot and bubbly, and the cheese is golden brown on the edges.

While the shells are baking, prepare garlic knots or crusty bread to serve alongside.

Garnish the baked stuffed shells with parsley flakes and paprika before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens