There is no denying that Olive Garden's Cheese Stuffed shells are one of their most popular dishes. Cheesy, delicious with just the right amount of sauce.
8ozshredded mozzarella cheeseset aside 2 tbsp for the Alfredo sauce
6oz shredded parmesan
1egg
⅓cupbreadcrumbs
Fresh parsley for garnish
For Alfredo Sauce
6tbspbutter
½cupheavy cream
2tbspshredded mozzarella cheese
salt to taste
pepperto taste
nutmega pinch, optional
Instructions
In a large pasta pot, boil salted water with one tablespoon of butter. Then cook your giant pasta shells by the package directions. Take them out a few minutes before you normally would and rinse quickly under cold water to stop the cooking process. You want them to be al dente. Remember, you’ll be adding sauce on top later and putting them back in the oven, so they’ll cook further. Once your shells are cooked, set them aside for later.
Next, we’re going to make the toasted breadcrumbs. In a non-stick pan on medium heat, melt one tablespoon of butter. Add in your bread crumbs and toast until a warm golden brown. About 2 minutes. Set aside for later. This is going to be your topping.
For your cheese mixture, in a large mixing bowl combine your ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, dried oregano, dried basil, minced garlic, and egg. You can also add a grind or two of freshly ground black pepper. Set aside for stuffing your shells in a few minutes.
Now it’s time to stuff your shells. In a large baking dish, spread a liberal layer of marinara sauce (about 1 cup) on the bottom. After filling each shell with your cheese mixture, line them in the pan. Then add another layer of pasta sauce on top.
Then, in a 400-degree oven, place your casserole dish in the oven and cook for 15-20 minutes.
While your pasta shells are in the oven, make your creamy Alfredo sauce. In a small saucepan, on medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons of butter. When the butter is melted, slowly whisk in the heavy cream and the 1 tsp of garlic. Mix well. Bring to a simmer and 2 tbsp of shredded mozzarella. Let simmer for 5 minutes until your sauce begins to reduce and thicken. Set aside.
Remove the casserole from the oven. Turn your oven from bake to broil. Then drizzle your creamy Alfredo sauce over the top and sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top. Return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes.
Remove and let sit for five minutes before serving.