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cheesy white bean stuffed shells recipe

Cheesy White Bean Stuffed Shells

Isabella C., a passionate food writer and recipe creator, smiling in a cozy kitchen while sharing her love for homemade dishes.Isabella C.
A creamy, cheesy pasta bake featuring white bean stuffed shells that make for a hearty and comforting vegetarian meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Baking Dish 9x13 inches
  • 1 Skillet medium size
  • 1 Mixing Bowl large

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 15 ounces canned white beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups marinara sauce

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until onion is translucent. Add white beans and cook for 3 minutes. Transfer mixture to a bowl, mash slightly, then mix in ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, and seasonings.
  • Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly for handling.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread 1 cup marinara sauce in a baking dish. Stuff each shell with the bean mixture and arrange in the dish.
  • Pour remaining marinara sauce over shells and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden.

Serving

  • Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Storage

  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Notes

Pro Tips: For a perfectly melted cheese topping, consider broiling the dish for the last few minutes.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use gluten-free pasta shells for a gluten-free option.
How to Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs for an added burst of flavor and visual appeal.
Storage & Freshness: For best results, reheat in the oven to maintain the texture of the pasta.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the dish up to the point of baking and store in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Keyword Cheesy Pasta Bake, Stuffed Shells, white bean recipes