Craving a comforting, cheesy, and utterly delicious meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Genius Italian Pasta Shells Bake! This recipe elevates the classic pasta bake to new heights, boasting a rich, creamy sauce brimming with vibrant Italian flavors and perfectly cooked pasta shells. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times; this recipe is designed for busy weeknights and effortless entertaining. We’re talking tender pasta shells swimming in a luscious blend of creamy ricotta, tangy parmesan, and aromatic herbs, all baked to golden perfection. The best part? It’s incredibly adaptable to your favorite vegetables and cheeses.
This unbelievably satisfying pasta bake is perfect for a family dinner, a potluck contribution, or even a cozy night in. Ready to dive into the irresistible flavors of Italy? Let's get started with our step-by-step guide to creating this phenomenal pasta shells bake.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Muffin tin
- Medium bowl
- Oven
Ingredients
- Kiglion pasta: 200g
- Water: 2L
- Cream cheese: 300g
- Parmesan cheese: 100g
- Mozzarella cheese: 150g
- Oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Smoked sausage: 3 slices per shell
- Tomato sauce: 1 teaspoon per shell
- Mozzarella cheese (for topping): to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Cook the Pasta
- Place 200g of kiglion pasta into a pot with 2L of boiling water and cook for 10 minutes.
- Drain the water from the pasta.
Step 2. Prepare the Filling and Assemble the Shells
- Flip each pasta shell and place it into a muffin tin.
- In a bowl, mix 300g cream cheese, 100g Parmesan cheese, 150g mozzarella cheese, and 1 teaspoon of oregano.
- Fill each pasta shell with 1 tbsp of the cheese mixture.
- Add 3 slices of smoked sausage to each shell.
- Add 1 teaspoon of tomato sauce to each shell.
Step 3. Top and Bake
- Top with grated mozzarella cheese to taste.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes (or until golden brown).
Read more: Easy Basil Pesto Pasta: Simple, Cheap, & Delicious Recipe
Tips
- Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary depending on your oven's power.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of pasta shells?
Yes! While jumbo shells are traditional, you can use other large pasta shapes like rigatoni or even rotini.
2. How can I make this recipe vegetarian/vegan?
Omit the meat, and use a plant-based milk instead of regular milk in the cheese sauce. Vegan parmesan cheese is also available.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the bake up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time when baking from cold.
This Genius Italian Pasta Shells Bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures in every bite. With minimal effort and readily available ingredients, you can create a truly memorable meal that will leave everyone wanting more. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and experience the magic of simple Italian cooking!