Stuffed Pasta Shells - Pasta Recipes

ricotta cheese

🥗Healthier: cottage cheese

💰Cheaper: cream cheese

Cottage cheese is lower in fat and calories, while cream cheese provides a similar texture.

mozzarella cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: provolone cheese

Part-skim mozzarella reduces calories, while provolone is often less expensive.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grana padano

Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor with fewer calories, while grana padano is a budget-friendly cheese option.

spinach

🥗Healthier: kale

💰Cheaper: frozen spinach

Kale is nutrient-dense, while frozen spinach is often cheaper and convenient.

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook jumbo pasta shells in boiling salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes; drain and cool.

In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, spinach, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.

Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag.

Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.

Arrange stuffed shells in the baking dish, seam side up, and cover with remaining marinara sauce.

Sprinkle additional mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top of the sauce.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Let cool for 5 minutes before serving; garnish with fresh basil.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens