Hey there, pasta lovers!
Are you ready for a delicious dinner idea? I’ve got something special for you today!
I’m talking about cottage cheese stuffed shells.
These little pasta wonders are filled with creamy goodness. They’re easy to make and oh-so-satisfying.
Perfect for family dinner or a cozy night in.
Let’s dive into this tasty recipe!
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30-35 minutes |
| Total Time | 45-55 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Ingredients
For the shells:
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
For the cheese filling:
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (finely minced)
- 3/4 cup cottage cheese (large curd preferred for texture)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 egg
For the dish assembly and topping:
- 2 cups pasta sauce (I use Rao’s Homemade Marinara)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Cook Pasta Shells
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Meanwhile, cook 12 jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions.
Once done, set the shells aside to cool until they are manageable enough for stuffing.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients: 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 3/4 cup of ricotta or large curd cottage cheese, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons of fresh, minced parsley, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder (optional), 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder (optional), 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Stir gently until all ingredients are well mixed.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole Dish
Spread 1 cup of pasta sauce on the bottom of an 8 x 8 inch casserole dish.
Take each cooked and cooled pasta shell and stuff them with about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture.
Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in the casserole dish.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour an additional 1 cup of pasta sauce over the stuffed shells.
Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Cover the dish loosely with a sheet of foil to prevent the cheese from burning.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Bake the covered dish in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the contents are hot and bubbly.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes to fully melt the cheese to a golden finish.
Take the dish out of the oven and let it sit for about ten minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Enjoy your delicious stuffed shells!
