Stuffed cheese shells for dinner. It’s always a big hit in my house

For the shells:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• Salt (for boiling water)

For the filling:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the sauce:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

For topping:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Shells:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are slightly undercooked. This will allow them to hold their shape when filled.
   • Drain the shells and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside.

1. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
2. Stuff the Shells:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
   • Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture. Place the filled shells in the baking dish in a single layer.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a bowl, mix together the marinara sauce, dried basil, and dried oregano. Pour the sauce over the stuffed shells, covering them evenly.
4. Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the shells are heated through.
5. Add Toppings and Finish:
   • Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the shells.
   • Continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
6. Serve:
   • Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Enjoy your delicious stuffed cheese shells! You can customize this recipe by adding ingredients like cooked spinach, ground meat, or sautéed mushrooms to the cheese mixture for extra flavor and variety.