MAKE-AHEAD STUFFED SHELLS WITH CABOT WHITE CHEDDAR CHEESE

Make-Ahead Stuffed Shells with Cabot White Cheddar Cheese image

Provided by Food Network

Time 1h25m

Yield 4-6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

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1 cup fat-free ricotta cheese
2 ounces 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
8 ounces Cabot 50% Reduced Fat Cheddar, grated & divided (about 2 cups)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
16 large fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
16 large dried pasta shells
1 (26-ounce) jar low sodium marinara sauce
Fresh basil leaves (garnish)

Steps:

Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain well.
Place ricotta and cream cheese in a bowl and mash together. Stir in 1 cup shredded cheese, egg, chopped basil and garlic. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg; set aside.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
In large pot of boiling water, cook pasta until al dente, or barely tender. Drain well, making sure to empty shells of any remaining water; set aside to cool briefly.
Spread about 1/2 cup marinara sauce over bottom of large baking dish. Spoon ricotta mixture evenly into shells and arrange in dish. Pour remaining sauce over top. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover dish, sprinkle with remaining shredded cheese and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil.