Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Feel free to substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand — for instance, swap fresh herbs with dried versions or use cottage cheese in place of ricotta for a lighter option. Remember, cooking is about adapting and making it your own, just like my abuela taught me.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo shells until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Spread about 1 cup of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Stuff each shell with the ricotta mixture using a spoon or piping bag for ease. Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with some extra parsley or basil for a fresh touch.
From my experience, letting the dish sit for a few minutes after baking enhances the flavors and makes serving easier. Cooking with patience is something I learned from watching my grandmother weave magic in her kitchen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International