Description
This Stuffed Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta features tender pasta shells filled with a luscious cream cheese and tomato mixture, layered with a savory garlic tomato sauce, and baked to bubbling perfection. Infused with fresh basil and Parmesan, it’s a comforting Italian-inspired dish perfect for a family dinner or gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Shells
- 8 large pasta shells
Filling
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (for sautéing)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (remaining amount from the filling)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the stuffed pasta shells.
- Cook Pasta Shells: Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add pasta shells and cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly for handling.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, a 14 oz can of crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Stuff Pasta Shells: Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the prepared creamy tomato basil mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish evenly without overcrowding.
- Make Sauce: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the remaining crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Assemble for Baking: Spread half of the tomato sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Place the stuffed pasta shells on top of the sauce, then pour the remaining sauce over the shells. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over everything.
- Bake: Bake the assembled dish uncovered in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and heated through, and the cheese is slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with additional fresh basil or parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use cream cheese softened at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- For a milder garlic flavor, adjust the amount of garlic used in the filling and sauce.
- To save time, you can prepare the filling earlier and refrigerate it until ready to use.
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
