Baked Stuffed Pasta Shells

Ingredients

• 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
• 1 1/4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (Reserve 1/4 cup)
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 lbs ricotta cheese
• 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 8 ounces spaghetti sauce (jarred or homemade)
• fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

Directions

1. 1

   In an 8 quart pot, bring water to a boil and cook shells for 8 minutes or until al dente.

2. 2

   Drain and cool immediately with cold water.

3. 3

   Drain and place open side down on paper towels.

4. 4

   In a medium bowl, combine the rest of ingredients except the spaghetti sauce.

5. 5

   Reserve the 1/4 cup of Mozzarella.

6. 6

   Place a thin layer of spaghetti sauce into the bottom of a 12 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish.

7. 7

   Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

8. 8

   Spoon the cheese mixture into each pasta shell and place open side up, in a single layer, in prepared pan.

9. 9

   Pour the rest of sauce over the stuffed shells.

10. 10

    Loosely cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.

11. 11

    During last 5 minutes of baking, remove foil and sprinkle remaining Mozzarella cheese on top.

12. 12

    Bake 5 more minutes.

13. 13

    Garnish with fresh chopped basil.