Cottage Cheese Stuffed Shells

The warm aroma of baked pasta fills the kitchen as you pull out a dish of Cottage Cheese Stuffed Shells. This delightful comfort food comes together in about an hour, blending creamy fillings and savory marinara. It’s a fuss-free recipe that delivers a rich flavor and satisfying texture, ensuring that each bite is a warm hug of deliciousness.

This recipe is perfect for families, gatherings, or any weeknight craving for Italian comfort food. You can even make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge, ready to pop in the oven when hunger strikes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The creamy filling balances beautifully with the tangy marinara sauce.
• Jumbo shells provide a delightful bite, with a perfect pasta-to-filling ratio.
• The dish can be assembled in advance, making meal prep a breeze.
• Baked to perfection, the melted cheese creates an irresistible golden crust.

What You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients for this comforting dish:

For the Pasta

• 12 jumbo pasta shells

For the Filling

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce

• 2 cups marinara sauce

For Garnish

• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Note: You can use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese for a richer filling.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use whole wheat pasta shells for a healthier option.
• Swap mozzarella for provolone for a different flavor.
• Substituting chicken egg with a flax egg is suitable for vegans.
• Italian seasoning can be replaced with herbs de Provence.

How to Make It

Here’s how you can create this delicious dish:

1. Preheat

Preheat the oven.
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready to bake.

2. Cook

Cook the pasta shells.
Prepare the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.

3. Mix

Mix the filling ingredients.
In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.

4. Stuff

Stuff each shell.
Gently fill each cooked shell with the cottage cheese mixture until they are generously filled.

5. Spread

Spread the marinara sauce.
Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a baking dish.

6. Place

Place the shells in the dish.
Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish and cover them with the remaining marinara sauce.

7. Cover

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

8. Uncover

Uncover and bake again.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

9. Garnish

Garnish and serve.
Optionally, garnish with fresh basil before serving warm.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Yes, it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Microwave or bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Use a non-stick baking dish to prevent sticking.
• Let the stuffed shells cool for a few minutes before serving for easier handling.
• Experiment with adding spinach or ground meat to the filling for added flavor.
• Keep an eye on the cheese during the last 10 minutes to avoid burning.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
• Serve with garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.
• Enjoy alongside a glass of red wine for a cozy dinner.