Indulge in the irresistible delight of our Classic Stuffed Shells recipe. Bursting with flavors, these tender jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, creating a symphony of textures that melt in your mouth.
Cook the jumbo pasta shells 2-3 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry), 2 cups of shredded mozzarella, ½ cup grated Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish with nonstick spray.
Combine cooked, drained Italian sausage with marinara sauce. Spread a thin layer in the bottom of the baking dish.
Gently fill each pasta shell with the cheese mixture, using a spoon or piping bag. Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish, arranging them with a little space in between.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring each shell is covered with sauce.
Spread the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the shells. Sprinkle with additional parmesan and basil, if desired.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly. Remove from the oven and let the stuffed shells cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.