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Cheesy Tomato Basil Stuffed Shells: 1 Delicious Bowl

Cheesy Tomato Basil Stuffed Shells
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Enjoy a comforting and flavorful baked pasta dish featuring jumbo shells stuffed with a creamy cheese filling and a vibrant tomato basil sauce.

Ingredients

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  • 1 box (12 oz) jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground Italian sausage
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off excess fat.
  3. Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in fresh basil.
  5. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  7. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta mixture.
  8. Spread about half of the tomato sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  9. Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish over the sauce.
  10. Spoon the remaining sauce over the stuffed shells.
  11. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
  12. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  13. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  14. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian option, omit the sausage and add sauteed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce.
  • If you don’t have jumbo shells, you can use manicotti or large conchiglie.
  • Fresh basil can be substituted with 1 tablespoon of dried basil, but fresh is recommended for best flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesfleet.com/cheesy-tomato-basil-stuffed-shells/