Pasta Stuffed With Five Cheeses
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Description: Delight your family and friends with this indulgent Pasta Stuffed With Five Cheeses, a recipe that encapsulates the essence of comfort food. Perfect for gatherings, this dish combines a rich blend of cheeses stuffed into tender jumbo pasta shells, enveloped in a luscious homemade sauce that’s sure to impress. Share the joy of cooking and savor every bite from lovewithrecipes.com.
Recipe Category
Pasta Shells
Keywords
Vegetable, Oven, Small Appliance, < 4 Hours
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 8 | Jumbo pasta shells |
| 1 | Cream cheese |
| 1 | Low fat cottage cheese |
| 1 | Mozzarella cheese |
| 1 | Egg |
| 1/4 | Parmesan cheese |
| 2 | Romano cheese |
| 2 | Fresh parsley, chopped |
| 1 | Dried basil |
| 1/2 | Dried oregano |
| 1/4 | Dried thyme |
| 1 | Fresh lemon rind |
| 1 | Ground nutmeg |
| 1 | Stewed tomatoes |
| 1 | Tomato sauce |
| 1 | White wine |
| 1 | Dried oregano |
| 1 | Dried thyme |
| 2 | Garlic cloves, minced |
| NA | Parsley sprig (for garnish) |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 462.1 |
| Total Fat | 21 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 94.8 mg |
| Sodium | 809 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 41.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.3 g |
| Sugars | 9.3 g |
| Protein | 21 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Pasta: Begin by cooking the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions, making sure to follow the suggested cooking time for al dente texture. Once cooked, drain them carefully and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
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Mix the Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, low fat cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, egg, parmesan cheese, romano cheese, chopped fresh parsley, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, fresh lemon rind, and ground nutmeg. Blend these ingredients until smooth and creamy. Taste the mixture and season with salt and pepper according to your preference, ensuring a well-rounded flavor.
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Stuff the Pasta Shells: Using a spoon or a piping bag for precision, generously stuff each of the cooled pasta shells with the cheese mixture you’ve just prepared. Aim to fill them generously but without overstuffing to prevent them from bursting during baking.
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Arrange in Baking Dish: Take a 12×8 inch baking dish and lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray to ensure that your delicious stuffed shells do not stick. Carefully place the stuffed shells in a single layer in the baking dish, ensuring they are spaced adequately to allow for even cooking.
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Bake the Shells: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the shells are heated through and the cheese filling is bubbling.
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Prepare the Tomato Sauce: While the pasta shells are baking, it’s time to prepare a vibrant tomato sauce. In a blender, puree the stewed tomatoes along with their juices until smooth. In a saucepan, combine the pureed tomatoes, tomato sauce, white wine, mushrooms (if using), dried oregano, dried thyme, and minced garlic. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently. Allow it to cook for about 25 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Season the sauce with additional salt, pepper, and herbs if necessary.
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Serve: Once the stuffed shells are baked and the sauce is ready, it’s time to serve. Spoon a generous amount of the thickened tomato sauce onto individual plates or a large serving platter, creating a luscious base for the pasta. Carefully place the stuffed pasta shells atop the sauce, allowing them to nestle comfortably.
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Garnish: To finish, garnish each serving with a fresh parsley sprig, adding a touch of color and freshness to the dish.
With these instructions, you will create a stunning and flavorful Pasta Stuffed With Five Cheeses that is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy sharing this dish at family dinners or special occasions, and watch as your loved ones savor each delightful bite!
