A Favorite Post - Stuffed Pasta Shells

I have learned that one of the most generous gifts is the gift of a meal.  I have been blessed with meals as I have had my kiddos, when my kiddo was hospitalized, when I started the school year and a group of parents wanted to show their appreciation of my efforts as a working (out of the home) mom, and once when I spent a few months living in a little apartment with my two boys while transitioning from one town to another.  Each time, I was so touched by the gesture that I now find it my go to method of showing someone I care when the situation presents itself.  I hope that my friends and family will find it as helpful as I have in the past. 

Tonight was one of those times when I wanted someone to know that I cared and this was the recipe for it...I made two batches...quality control, right?

  Stuffed Pasta Shells

1 box jumbo pasta shells

1 jar pasta sauce

1 sm. container ricotta cheese

1 1/2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese

2 eggs

salt and pepper to taste

Cook your shells in boiling, salted water for 9 minutes.  (As per directions on the box :-))  This will make them cooked enough to fill...they will finish cooking in the oven after they have been stuffed.

 

Here's what they look like while they are cooling...

 

{I don't ever end up using the entire box, but I like to have extras so I don't have to try and stuff broken and torn shells.}

Pour your sauce into a 9x13 baking pan until the bottom of the pan is covered with a shallow layer of sauce.

 

Mix together ricotta cheese, 2 eggs, 3/4 c. of the mozzarella cheese and salt and pepper to taste until well incorporated.  It doesn't look delicious at this point, but trust me...it will be!

Stuff shells...I use a tablespoon and try to put the mixture under the tight curl of the shell.  It tends to hold it in better than the loose end.

I am pulling the tight curl open with my thumb in this picture (thanks to the hubs for the photo)

{wow...my hands have started to look so old to me...sadly it is a reminder that I am slowly becoming a real grown-up, but is also a sweet reminder of my grandma...I have her hands...but that is completely off topic, now isn't it.}

Place your shells in the baking pan with the seam up. (I could fit three rows plus some extra squished in here and there.)  Cover with remaining sauce and remaining cheese.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 30 minutes.  Voila!

Served with a green salad and some garlic bread we had a meal that even the toddler devoured!

The best part about this recipe as a gifted meal...it can be frozen.  So, just in case that family or friend has been gifted with multiple meals, this one can slide into the freezer and be taken out when needed.  Perfect...flexibility...delicious flexibility!