Homemade Stuffed Shells with Cottage Cheese: A Simple and Delicious Recipe
Stuffed shells are a comforting favorite, combining a creamy cheese filling, savory marinara sauce, and perfectly baked pasta for a satisfying meal. In this recipe, we’re using cottage cheese as the base for the filling, creating a lighter, healthier version of traditional stuffed shells. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, this dish is sure to become a staple in your weekly dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy yet indulgent: Cottage cheese makes the filling lighter without sacrificing flavor. It’s a great source of protein and calcium.
- Quick and easy: This dish can be prepped in just 30 minutes, and it bakes to perfection in under an hour.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the recipe to suit your dietary preferences, adding more vegetables or changing up the seasonings.
Ingredients for Stuffed Shells with Cottage Cheese
- 20 large pasta shells (preferably jumbo shells for better stuffing)
- 1 ½ cups cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat based on your preference)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg (optional, helps to bind the filling)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tbsp fresh basil (chopped) or 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions for Preparing Stuffed Shells with Cottage Cheese
Cook the Pasta:
- Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil and adding a pinch of salt. Add the pasta shells and cook them according to the package instructions, typically for 8-10 minutes, u
- ntil they are al dente. Drain the cooked pasta and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Be sure not to overcook the shells, as they will soften further while baking.
Prepare the Filling:
- As the pasta cooks, mix together the cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, chopped basil, and parsley. If you want the filling to hold together more firmly, you can add a beaten egg, though it’s optional. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste and stir everything until well combined.
Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Spread about ½ cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the dish. This helps prevent the shells from sticking and gives them added flavor.
Assemble the Shells:
- Once the shells have cooled enough to handle, carefully stuff each shell with about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture. Be generous, but don’t overstuff, as the cheese will expand during baking.
Place the Stuffed Shells in the Baking Dish:
- Carefully place each stuffed shell in the greased baking dish. Arrange the shells in a single layer, ensuring they are snug but not packed too tightly. Once all the shells are placed in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, making sure to cover the shells completely.
Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, ensuring it melts into a gooey, cheesy layer.
Bake the Stuffed Shells:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the stuffed shells for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, take off the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra chopped basil or parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Tips and Variations
- Make it veggie-friendly: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the cheese filling for added nutrition and flavor.
- For extra protein: Consider adding cooked ground turkey, beef, or chicken to the filling for a heartier dish.
- Meal prep option: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble the stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Alternatively, you can freeze the assembled shells and bake them straight from the freezer.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~350-400 kcal
- Protein: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Fat: 15-20g
Final Thoughts on Stuffed Shells with Cottage Cheese
This stuffed shells recipe is a crowd-pleaser, combining the goodness of cottage cheese with the comfort of pasta. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal yet special enough for family gatherings. The creamy cheese filling, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella make every bite a satisfying experience. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting guests, this dish will definitely impress.