Stuffed shells seem like something an Italian grandmother would make, and it would take her all day. But the recipe below is genius. It uses frozen pre-stuffed pasta shells and jarred sauce. Layered together, topped with cheese, and baked to bubbling perfection, it looks and tastes like a dish that took hours to make.
You can use any stuffed shells you like or add additional ingredients to your layers. Try adding crispy pancetta or sauteed mushrooms or spinach for variation. This is going to become one of your pantry staple favorites.
Stuffed Pasta Shells Casserole
6
10 minutes
45 minutes
55 minutes
Cooking spray
1 25-ounce jar marinara sauce, divided
1 24-ounce package frozen stuffed pasta shells
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons minced fresh oregano or basil (optional)
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Spread about 1 cup of the marinara sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in the baking dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the top, spreading to cover completely. Top it with the mozzarella, and then sprinkle the Parmesan over the top. Cover it with aluminum foil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. Remove the foil, and continue to bake for another 20 to 25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted and beginning to brown. Remove from the oven, and let it rest for 10 minutes. Serve it hot.