Italian Cheese-Stuffed Shells ๐ง๐
Overview:
Wonderful, simple, and meatless, this Italian Cheese-Stuffed Shells recipe is a delightful dish passed down from generation to generationโit’s my mom’s recipe, and it’s so easy to make! You can use part-skim or fat-free mozzarella and fat-free cottage cheese to lower the fat content, making it a healthier option without compromising on flavor. Serve these delectable shells with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a superb meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table!
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: Variable
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 box | Jumbo pasta shells |
| 24 oz | Low-fat cottage cheese |
| 8 oz | Mozzarella cheese |
| 2 | Eggs |
| 1/2 tsp | Salt |
| 1/8 tsp | Black pepper |
| 1/2 tsp | Oregano |
| 1 tsp | Dried parsley |
| 1 tsp | Garlic powder |
| 1/4 cup | Parmesan cheese |
Instructions:
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
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Cook the pasta shells: Follow the instructions on the package to cook the jumbo pasta shells until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain them in a single layer on a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
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Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the low-fat cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese (you can opt for part-skim or fat-free versions for a healthier option), eggs, salt, black pepper, oregano, dried parsley, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
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Stuff the shells: Using a spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell with 2-3 tablespoons of the cheese filling mixture. Ensure that each shell is generously filled with the delicious cheese mixture.
-
Assemble the dish: Spread a thin layer of your favorite pasta sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells on top of the sauce in a single layer.
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Add sauce and cheese: Pour the remaining pasta sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring that they are evenly covered. For an extra cheesy kick, sprinkle some additional Parmesan cheese on top.
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Bake: Cover the baking dish with a sheet of aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning, and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve: Once baked to perfection, remove the dish from the oven and serve the Italian Cheese-Stuffed Shells hot. For an added touch, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 843.4
- Fat Content: 26g
- Saturated Fat Content: 12.2g
- Cholesterol Content: 169.6mg
- Sodium Content: 2371.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 93g
- Fiber Content: 3.6g
- Sugar Content: 19.6g
- Protein Content: 56.3g
Recipe Notes:
- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite ingredients to the cheese filling, such as spinach, diced tomatoes, or cooked mushrooms, to enhance the flavor and nutritional value.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for meal prep or quick lunches.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for the filling, such as ricotta or fontina, to create your own unique twist on this classic Italian dish.
- Serve these delicious Italian Cheese-Stuffed Shells with a side of fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion! Enjoy! ๐ฝ๏ธ๐ฅ๐ฅ
