Cheesy Baked Shells
One of my all time favorite easy italian recipes, these Cheesy Baked Shells do not disappoint! Filled with several different cheeses and spices, you won't be able to keep for coming back for seconds.
Cooking Time30 min
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup chopped unblanched almonds
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 ounces medium or large shell pasta
- 3 cups ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, puree the basil leaves, almonds, garlic, and salt. With the motor running, gradually add the oil through the feed tube.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese; set aside.
- Cook pasta in plenty of boiling salted water until still quite firm, about 8 minutes; drain.
- In a large bowl, stir together the pesto, ricotta, half the mozzarella, and the black pepper; add the pasta; stir to blend.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Pour into a 10-inch square or any 1 1/2-quart shallow baking dish; sprinkle the top with the remaining 2 tablespoons parmesan and the remaining mozzarella.
- Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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