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why make this recipe
Delicious Stuffed Shells with Cottage Cheese are a perfect comfort food that everyone loves. These stuffed shells are not just tasty but also packed with a healthy mix of cheeses. They make for a great family meal or can be served at gatherings. This dish is easy to make and can even be prepared ahead of time.
how to make Delicious Stuffed Shells with Cottage Cheese
Ingredients :
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Stuff each shell with the cheese mixture and place them in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot.
how to serve Delicious Stuffed Shells with Cottage Cheese
Serve these stuffed shells hot from the oven. They can be paired with a simple green salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also offer extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
how to store Delicious Stuffed Shells with Cottage Cheese
To store leftovers, let the stuffed shells cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the stuffed shells before baking. Just cover the baking dish well with plastic wrap and then foil. They can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.
tips to make Delicious Stuffed Shells with Cottage Cheese
- Make sure to cook the pasta shells al dente so they don’t get too soft during baking.
- For added flavor, try mixing in some chopped spinach or cooked ground meat into the cheese mixture.
- If you like a bit of spice, add some red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture or the marinara sauce.
variation
You can switch up the cheeses according to your taste. Try using goat cheese or feta for a different flavor. For a healthier option, incorporate more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms in the filling.
FAQs
Can I make these stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare your stuffed shells a day in advance. Just assemble them, cover, and refrigerate. Bake them when you’re ready to serve.
What can I serve with stuffed shells?
Stuffed shells go well with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.
Can I use different types of pasta?
While large pasta shells are traditional, you can use other pasta shapes like manicotti or even whole wheat options for a healthier meal.
Delicious Stuffed Shells with Cottage Cheese
Delicious Stuffed Shells with Cottage Cheese are a perfect comfort food packed with a healthy mix of cheeses, ideal for family meals and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Stuff each shell with the cheese mixture and place them in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot.
Notes
For added flavor, mix in chopped spinach or cooked ground meat into the cheese mixture. You can also add red pepper flakes for some spice.