Description
Herb Zucchini Stuffed Jumbo Shells is a delicious Italian-inspired pasta dish. It features jumbo shells filled with a savory mixture of zucchini, creamy cheeses, and aromatic herbs, all baked in marinara sauce. This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a wholesome vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 medium zucchini, finely chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped zucchini and sauté for 4-5 minutes until tender and slightly golden.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, the egg, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the sautéed zucchini to the cheese mixture and mix until well combined.
- Gently open each cooled jumbo shell and fill it with the zucchini and cheese mixture.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a baking dish.
- Carefully place the filled shells seam-side up on top of the sauce.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the Herb Zucchini Stuffed Jumbo Shells cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Select firm zucchini for best texture.
- Use fresh herbs for a more robust flavor.
- Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or feta.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Add more vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for variation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg