Unstuffed Shells Pasta Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Skip the time-consuming stuffing process and get a tasty, cheesy pasta bake in no time.
• Family-Friendly: The combination of pasta, marinara sauce, and cheese is loved by both kids and adults.
• Customizable: You can easily add your favorite ingredients like ground meat, vegetables, or extra cheese for a personalized twist.
• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one baking dish, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 box of large pasta shells
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the cooked pasta shells. Gently mix the pasta with the sauce to ensure it’s evenly coated.
6. Spoon the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta, spreading it evenly across the dish.
7. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Let the pasta bake cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Add Ground Meat: Brown some ground beef, turkey,  and mix it with the marinara sauce for a meatier dish.
• Vegetarian Option: Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the ricotta mixture for a more veggie-packed dish.
• Extra Cheesy: For extra cheesiness, sprinkle a little more Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top before baking.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen before or after baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of shells?

Yes, any pasta shape will work! Penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti would be great alternatives.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pasta bake a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I add more cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to add extra mozzarella, ricotta, or Parmesan for an even cheesier dish.

How do I keep the pasta from getting dry?

Be sure to cover the baking dish with foil while baking, and add a little extra marinara sauce if needed to keep the pasta moist.

Can I use a different kind of cheese?

You can experiment with other cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even goat cheese for a different flavor profile.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta shells.

Can I use homemade marinara sauce?

Yes, homemade marinara sauce will add a fresh, personal touch to the dish!

Can I add meatballs to this dish?

Definitely! Add cooked meatballs on top or mix them into the pasta before baking.

How do I know when the pasta bake is done?

The cheese should be melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. If you insert a knife into the center, it should come out hot.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, this dish freezes well! Assemble it, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Unstuffed Shells Pasta Bake is a simple, comforting dish that combines all the delicious flavors of stuffed shells without the hassle. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy. Easy to make, customizable, and full of flavor, it’s a family favorite that’s perfect for any occasion

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