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Four Cheese Stuffed Shells

Four Cheese Stuffed Shells

Indulge in Four Cheese Stuffed Shells, a comforting dish filled with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and fontina for a delightful weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Shells
  • 12 jumbo pasta shells a perfect size to hold generous amounts of cheesy goodness.
For the Cheese Filling
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese adds creaminess and a subtle sweetness to balance the flavors.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese offers a melty, gooey texture that pulls apart beautifully.
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese brings a nutty flavor that enhances the overall richness.
  • 1/2 cup fontina cheese adds depth and creaminess to the cheese blend, making your stuffed shells irresistible.
For the Sauce and Seasoning
  • 2 cups marinara sauce use your favorite brand or homemade for an authentic touch.
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil infuses a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the dish.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder adds aromatic flavor without the hassle of peeling and chopping garlic.
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

How to Make Four Cheese Stuffed Shells
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and gently grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure nothing sticks during baking.
  2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water until they are al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain carefully and set aside to cool a bit before filling.
  3. Mix the filling by combining the ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, fontina, chopped basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until well blended.
  4. Stuff each cooled shell generously with the cheese mixture. Place them seam-side up in your prepared baking dish.
  5. Layer half of the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, then spoon the remaining sauce on top.
  6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 21gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 8mg

Notes

Optional: Garnish with extra fresh basil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a touch of heat.

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