Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly baked pasta shell, oozing with three different cheeses and packed with nutritious broccoli - a dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience. This Cheese Broccoli Stuffed Pasta is not just a meal; it's a creamy, cheesy adventure that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy, without leaving your kitchen. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a gourmet comfort food, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups broccoli, chopped and steamed
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 jar marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your pasta bakes evenly and thoroughly.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta shells and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside in a single layer on a clean kitchen towel or a baking sheet to cool.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the steamed and chopped broccoli, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Take a spoonful of the cheese and broccoli mixture and carefully stuff each jumbo pasta shell. Place the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish, opening facing up.
- Once all the shells are stuffed, pour the marinara sauce evenly over the top of the stuffed shells. Make sure to cover them well with the sauce to keep them moist during baking.
- If desired, sprinkle some extra mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce for added flavor and a golden, bubbly finish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the tops from browning too quickly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is hot.
- Once done, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the filling set and make it easier to serve.
- Serve the cheese broccoli stuffed pasta warm, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian dish!
Tips
- For the best texture, make sure to steam your broccoli until just tender - you want it soft but still vibrant green.
- Use jumbo pasta shells and stuff them generously, but not so full that they might split during baking.
- If you want extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or some fresh basil to your cheese mixture.
- Allow the pasta to rest for 5 minutes after baking to help the filling set and make serving easier.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheeses.
- Ensure your marinara sauce is of good quality, as it significantly impacts the overall flavor of the dish.
- If you're preparing this in advance, you can assemble the dish and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg
