Italian > Pasta > Stuffed Pasta

Val Seriana Cheese and Basil Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 24 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup of ricotta cheese
- 1 cup of Val Seriana cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup of fresh basil, chopped
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 cups of marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Val Seriana cheese, basil, egg, salt, and black pepper.

4. Stuff each pasta shell with the cheese mixture and place them in a baking dish.

5. Pour the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

6. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Let the pasta shells cool for a few minutes before serving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
- 375°F
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 375
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Protein: 19g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese or cream cheese.
- Val Seriana cheese can be substituted with any other hard cheese like Parmesan or Asiago.
- Marinara sauce can be substituted with any tomato-based pasta sauce.

Variations:
- Add cooked ground beef or sausage to the cheese mixture for a meaty version.
- Substitute the basil with spinach or kale for a healthier option.
- Use different types of pasta shells like conchiglie or rigatoni.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the pasta shells al dente, so they don't become too soft when baked.
- Use a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner cut off to fill the pasta shells easily.
- Mix the cheese mixture well to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the pasta shells in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pasta shells on a bed of fresh arugula or spinach.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley.

Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.

Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pasta shells are too hard, they were not cooked long enough.
- If the cheese mixture is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or cream to make it creamier.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the pasta shells and the meat (if using) thoroughly to avoid any foodborne illnesses.

Food history:
- Pasta shells stuffed with cheese have been a popular Italian dish for centuries.

Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, cheesy, and savory.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a main dish for dinner or as an appetizer for a party.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Herby, Creamy, Garlicky, Tangy