Baked Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe

Ingredients for Baked Stuffed Pasta Shells

• Jumbo Pasta Shells
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• Eggs
• Nutmeg
• Black Pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Dried Parsley
• 2 1/2 cups your favorite spaghetti sauce
• Fresh Basil

How to Make Baked Stuffed Pasta Shells

1. Bring 8 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add jumbo pasta shells and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Gently place the cooked shells open-side down on paper towels to drain excess water.
3. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1 egg, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well.
4. Reserve 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese for topping.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Spread a thin layer (about 1/2 cup) of your favorite spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a 12x9x2 inch baking dish.
7. Spoon the cheese mixture into each pasta shell. Place the filled shells open-side up in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
8. Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce (about 2 cups) evenly over the stuffed shells.
9. Loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
10. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
11. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
12. Sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
13. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown.
14. Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving.