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To make Cottage Cheese Stuffed Shells, gather these simple ingredients: - 12 jumbo pasta shells - 1 cup cottage cheese - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 egg, lightly beaten - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups marinara sauce - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Each item plays a key role in flavor and texture. The cheeses create a creamy filling that melts beautifully. The egg helps bind everything together. Italian seasoning adds a nice, herby touch. You can change the flavor of your stuffed shells with these optional ingredients: - Spinach for added nutrition - Cooked ground beef or sausage for a meatier option - Different herbs like oregano or thyme for extra flavor - Red pepper flakes for a bit of heat Feel free to mix and match. These options can make your dish even more exciting! If you have dietary needs, you can still enjoy this dish. Here are some easy swaps: - Use dairy-free cheese for a vegan option. - Substitute tofu for cottage cheese if you want a plant-based filling. - Choose gluten-free pasta shells if you avoid gluten. These substitutions keep the spirit of the dish while fitting your needs. Enjoy your cooking adventure! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for a nice bake. While the oven heats, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt adds flavor to the pasta. Once boiling, add the jumbo shells. Cook them according to package directions until they are al dente. After cooking, drain the shells and let them cool for a bit. This makes them easier to handle. Now, it's time to prepare the filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese. Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese, the beaten egg, and the Italian seasoning. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper. Mix all these ingredients well until they are nicely blended. Take a spoon and fill each cooked shell with about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture. Be gentle as you fill them. Place each stuffed shell in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. This dish holds all your tasty work. After filling the shells, pour the marinara sauce evenly over them. Make sure to cover all the shells completely. This sauce adds moisture and flavor. Next, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 25 minutes. After that, take off the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. Look for the cheese to be bubbly and golden. When it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes. Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves. This adds a nice touch and great flavor. Enjoy your cottage cheese stuffed shells! Cooking pasta well is key to great stuffed shells. Start with a large pot of water. Add a good amount of salt to the water; this helps flavor the pasta. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the jumbo shells. Cook them just until they are al dente. This means they should still have a slight bite. Overcooked pasta will break and not hold the filling. After cooking, drain the shells gently and let them cool before filling. Stuffing the shells can be simple if you follow a few steps. Use a teaspoon or a small spoon to fill each shell. Aim for about two tablespoons of filling per shell. Make sure to pack the filling in well. This helps prevent it from spilling out during baking. Arrange the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish. Be sure to leave space between them. This allows the heat to circulate and cook them evenly. To create a creamier cheese filling, you can add a few simple ingredients. Mixing in a little heavy cream or sour cream can enhance the texture. You can also blend the cottage cheese and ricotta together until smooth. This reduces lumps and makes the filling nice and creamy. Adding an extra egg will also help bind the mixture. This keeps the filling rich and delicious. Make sure to taste your filling before stuffing. Adjust the salt and pepper to suit your taste. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh basil and high-quality cheeses to enhance the flavors of your stuffed shells. Don't Overcook the Pasta: Cook the jumbo shells just until al dente; they will continue to cook in the oven without becoming mushy. Customize the Filling: Feel free to add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or herbs to the cheese mixture for an extra flavor boost. Let It Rest: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes after baking before serving; this helps the flavors meld and makes for easier serving. {{image_2}} Cottage cheese stuffed shells are great for vegetarians. You can add more veggies to the filling. Spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini work well. Chopped spinach gives a nice color and taste. You can also blend in diced bell peppers for sweetness. This makes the dish more colorful and fun. You can replace marinara sauce with a white sauce, like Alfredo. If you love meat, there are many tasty options. Ground beef or sausage can add a lot of flavor. Cook the meat first, then mix it into the cheese filling. This creates a hearty dish that fills you up. You can also use shredded chicken for a lighter option. Just make sure to season the meat well for the best taste. For gluten-free shells, look for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer jumbo shells made from rice or corn. These cook just like regular pasta and taste great. You can also use quinoa or zucchini boats as a base. Both options are healthy and gluten-free. Just remember to adjust the cooking time for these alternatives. Enjoy all the flavors without any gluten! After enjoying your Cottage Cheese Stuffed Shells, let the leftovers cool. Place them in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure the shells are covered to keep them fresh. This way, you can savor the flavors again soon. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover shells in a baking dish. Cover them with foil to prevent drying. Heat for about 20 minutes or until they are warm throughout. You can also use the microwave. Heat the shells on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes. This gives you quick and easy meals. Want to save some for later? You can freeze your stuffed shells. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. This helps keep them fresh and prevents freezer burn. You can freeze the shells for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge and reheat. Enjoy your delicious meal anytime! Yes, you can use different cheeses. Try using cream cheese for a richer flavor. You can also mix in some feta cheese for a tangy twist. Just make sure to maintain the right texture. Keep in mind that each cheese brings its own taste. This can change the overall flavor of your stuffed shells. Experiment to find what you like best! To check if the shells are cooked, look for a slightly firm texture. They should be al dente, which means they are not too soft. You can taste one shell to be sure. If it’s chewy but not hard, it’s done. Also, keep an eye on the cooking time on the package. Overcooking can lead to broken shells. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time! Prepare the stuffed shells and place them in the baking dish. Cover and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes it a great option for busy days! In this blog post, we explored the key ingredients and steps for making stuffed pasta shells. We shared tips on cooking and filling for the best results. You learned about tasty variations, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. Storage tips will help keep your shells fresh for later meals. Remember, cooking is fun and allows for creativity. Use these ideas to create a dish you'll love!

Cottage Cheese Stuffed Shells

Delicious jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy cheese mixture and topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 pieces jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 piece egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, the beaten egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
  • Using a spoon, carefully fill each cooked shell with approximately 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture. Place the stuffed shells in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, covering them completely.
  • Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Serve the stuffed shells with a sprinkle of fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil for a vibrant finish.
Keyword cottage cheese, Italian, pasta, stuffed shells