– 20 jumbo pasta shells
– 2 cups ricotta cheese
– 1 egg
– 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Olive oil (for greasing)
Creating Stuffed Shells is a rewarding process that involves the following steps:
1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, boil water and cook the jumbo pasta shells for about 9 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
3. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well blended.
4. Stuff the Shells: Take each cooked shell and spoon a generous amount of the cheese filling into it. Place the filled shells open side up in the greased baking dish.
5. Add Marinara Sauce: Pour marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well covered.
6. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the sauce. This will create a delicious melted layer.
7. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes.
8. Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
9. Let Cool: Once done, allow the Stuffed Shells to sit for a few minutes before serving.
10. Garnish: For an added touch, garnish with extra parsley before serving.
This simple yet detailed guide will help you effortlessly create a stunning dish that everyone will love.