PASTA SHELLS FILLED WITH FETA AND HERBS

Pasta Shells Filled with Feta and Herbs image

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 15

Sauce
1/4 cup olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
2 28-ounce cans Italian plum tomatoes, chopped in processor with juices
1 cup chopped fresh basil
Filling
2 15-ounce containers ricotta cheese
14 ounces feta cheese, chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
2 fresh chive bunches, chopped
2 eggs
1 12-ounce package jumbo pasta shells
Fresh basil sprigs

Steps:

For sauce:
Heat oil in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté 5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté until onion is tender, about 5 minutes. Add crushed red pepper and sauté 30 seconds. Add tomatoes. Simmer until sauce is reduced to 5 cups, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and mix in basil. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.)
For filling:
Combine ricotta, 1 1/3 cups feta, 1/2 cup chopped basil and chives. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Mix in eggs.
Cook shells in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite. Drain. Rinse with cold water until cool. Drain thoroughly.
Preheat oven 350°F. Spread 3/4 cup sauce over bottom of each of two 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dishes. Fill 30 shells and divide between dishes. Top with remaining sauce. Sprinkle with remaining feta. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cool and refrigerate.) Bake shells until heated through, about 30 minutes. Garnish with basil sprigs.