Baked Stuffed Pasta Shells

These are just fantastic! This is one of DH's favorite things I make. Great for family dinner or pot luck. This is really pretty easy to make and true Italian comfort food!

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Serves: 10

Ingredients

• 12  ounces jumbo pasta shells
• 1 1⁄4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (Reserve 1/4 cup)
• 1  cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2  lbs ricotta cheese
• 2  large eggs, lightly beaten and 2 egg yolks
• 1  pinch nutmeg
• 1  teaspoon black pepper
• 1  teaspoon garlic powder
• 1  tablespoon dried parsley
• 8  ounces  spaghetti sauce (jarred or homemade)
•  fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

Directions

1. In an 8 quart pot, bring water to a boil and cook shells for 8 minutes or until al dente.
2. Drain and cool immediately with cold water.
3. Drain and place open side down on paper towels.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the rest of ingredients except the spaghetti sauce.
5. Reserve the 1/4 cup of Mozzarella.
6. Place a thin layer of spaghetti sauce into the bottom of a 12 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish.
7. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Spoon the cheese mixture into each pasta shell and place open side up, in a single layer, in prepared pan.
9. Pour the rest of sauce over the stuffed shells.
10. Loosely cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
11. During last 5 minutes of baking, remove foil and sprinkle remaining Mozzarella cheese on top.
12. Bake 5 more minutes.
13. Garnish with fresh chopped basil.