Description
Olive Garden’s jumbo stuffed shells showcase creamy ricotta and robust marinara in a classic Italian-American comfort dish. Hearty pasta shells cradle rich cheese filling, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 package jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Binding Ingredient:
- 1 egg
Topping:
- Extra mozzarella cheese
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) while bringing a pot of salted water to a rolling boil for the jumbo pasta shells.
- Carefully cook pasta shells until al dente, ensuring they remain slightly firm, then drain and allow to cool slightly.
- Create a luxurious cheese blend by whisking ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Gently fill each pasta shell with the creamy cheese mixture, arranging them snugly in a prepared baking dish.
- Generously ladle marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring complete coverage of the pasta.
- Sprinkle an additional layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the top of the shells for extra richness.
- Protect the dish with aluminum foil, creating a sealed environment for even cooking.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld together thoroughly.
- Remove the foil during the final 10 minutes of baking to achieve a golden, slightly crispy cheese topping.
- Finish the dish by scattering fresh basil leaves over the top for a burst of aromatic freshness.
- Serve immediately while the shells are piping hot, showcasing the melted cheese and vibrant marinara sauce.
Notes
- Opt for large, high-quality jumbo shells to ensure they hold the creamy cheese mixture without falling apart during baking.
- Drain pasta shells thoroughly and let them cool slightly before stuffing to prevent tearing and make handling easier.
- For a lighter version, substitute whole milk ricotta with part-skim ricotta and use reduced-fat mozzarella to cut down on calories.
- Enhance flavor by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a subtle kick that complements the rich, cheesy filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg