There's something irresistibly comforting about a warm, cheesy pasta dish that brings the family together at the dinner table. The Cheesy St￭ Pasta Bake is a delicious blend of flavors and textures, showcasing a delightful combination of creamy ricotta, savory marinara, and multiple layers of gooey mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients
Scale:
12 large st￭ shells or manicotti
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the st￭ shells and cook them for about 8-10 minutes, just until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each cooked shell with the cheese mixture.
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce at the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Place the st￭ shells seam-side up in a single layer over the sauce.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the st￭ shells, ensuring they are well covered.
Sprinkle the additional cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the dish.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
