Yield: 2 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Estimated Calories: ~750 per serving
Estimated Protein: ~32g per serving
Ingredients
12–14 jumbo pasta shells
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
1/3 cup grated Parmesan
1 egg
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
Directions
Step 1 – Cook the shells Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (it should taste lightly salty). Add the shells and cook for about 8–10 minutes until just tender but still slightly firm. Stir once or twice so they don’t stick together. Drain and spread them out on a plate or tray so they cool and don’t clump. (they’ll cook more in the oven, so don’t overdo it here)
Step 2 – Make the filling In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy with no dry pockets. It should feel soft and easy to scoop, not stiff. (this is where the texture comes from, take your time here)
Step 3 – Fill the shells Use a spoon to gently fill each shell with the cheese mixture. Don’t pack them too tightly or they can tear — just enough to fill them so they hold their shape. Set each filled shell aside as you go. (they don’t need to be perfect, just consistent)
Step 4 – Assemble the dish Spread a layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish so nothing sticks. Arrange the filled shells in a single layer, then spoon the remaining sauce over the top so they’re lightly covered. (sauce on the bottom and top = no dry pasta anywhere)
Step 5 – Bake Place in a 375°F oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce is bubbling. If you want, add a little extra cheese on top during the last few minutes so it melts and gets slightly golden. (that top layer is the upgrade move)
Step 6 – Rest and serve Let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving so the filling sets slightly and doesn’t spill out everywhere. (cheese straight out of the oven will humble you fast)
Rizz Tip
“If they go back for another one without saying anything… yeah, you already won.” 😏
