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Homemade Classic Stuffed Shells (with Cottage Cheese) photo

Classic Stuffed Shells (with Cottage Cheese)

Large pasta shells are filled with a cottage cheese and Parmesan mixture, topped with Alfredo and marinara, then baked until bubbly.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 40 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta shells about 40 shells (1 box)
  • 4 cups low-fat cottage cheese
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese grated, divided (1 cup for filling, 1 cup for topping)
  • 3/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano grated
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 48 oz marinara sauce about 2 jars (Rao's recommended), divided between two pans
  • 15 oz Alfredo sauce 1 jar
  • chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • piping bag or large freezer bag
  • two 9x13 baking dishes
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells for about 8 minutes until al dente; drain, rinse with cold water, and let them drain thoroughly.
  3. Pour the marinara sauce into the bottoms of two 9×13-inch baking dishes, dividing it evenly between the pans (one jar per pan).
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, 1 cup grated mozzarella, Parmigiano Reggiano, eggs, dried oregano, dried basil, and salt and pepper to taste; stir until well mixed.
  5. Fill a piping bag or a large freezer bag fitted with a 1-inch hole (or use a spoon) and pipe or spoon the cheese mixture into each shell until filled.
  6. Arrange the filled shells in the prepared baking dishes, placing about 20 shells in each pan.
  7. Spoon the Alfredo sauce over the filled shells, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of grated mozzarella evenly over both pans (about 1/2 cup per pan).
  8. Cover each pan with aluminum foil (spray the underside with nonstick spray if desired) and bake for 30 minutes; remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to brown the tops.
  9. Let the dishes rest for 5–10 minutes after baking, sprinkle with chopped parsley if using, and serve hot.

Notes

  • One box of large shells is about 12 oz and yields ~40 shells.
  • Use a piping bag to fill shells faster and more cleanly.
  • Two 9x13 pans are used so each gets one jar of marinara.
  • Cover with foil while baking to retain moisture, then uncover to brown.