Cheesy Stuffed Pasta Bake
A heartwarming dish featuring creamy cheese-filled pasta shells baked in marinara sauce, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz Pasta Shells About 1 box of jumbo pasta shells
- 3 cups Marinara Sauce Store-bought or homemade
Cheese Filling
- 15 oz Ricotta Cheese
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded Plus extra for topping
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 2 cups Spinach, fresh, cooked and chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and let cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, cooked spinach, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and mix until blended.
Assembly
- Stuff each cooked shell with the cheese mixture.
- Pour a thin layer of marinara sauce into a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish, opening side up, and pour the remaining marinara sauce over them.
- Sprinkle the extra mozzarella on top.
Baking
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few moments before serving.
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Notes
For variations, consider adding cooked ground meat or seafood to the filling, or using different types of cheese. This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a day before baking or frozen for up to three months.