Pirate Pasta Arrrgh!

Submitted by Party_Pirate

"Grandpa loved pasta and pirates! He dreamed of sailing the cerulean seas of Pirate's Paradise -- the Caribbean. Sea shell shaped pasta transported us to this tropical place Grandpa passionately adored, creating a multitude of mealtime memories. I savored these shells, enthralled by his magical tales of tempestuous times past. He spoke like a true pirate! ARRRGH!"

 

• Ready In: 55mins
• Ingredients: 10
• Serves: 12

ingredients

• 1 (12 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells
• 2 logs fresh goat cheese (11 ounces each) or (15 ounce) cartons whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 cup minced fresh basil
• 1⁄2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• zucchini, strips (Pirate Treasure X marks the spot!) (optional)
• additional marinara sauce (optional)

directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°. Cook pasta shells according to package directions for al dente; drain.
2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix goat cheese, basil, Parmesan cheese, garlic and salt. Spread 1-1/4 cups marinara sauce into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish.
3. Fill each shell with 1 rounded tablespoon cheese mixture; arrange over sauce. Pour remaining sauce over shells. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. If channeling your inner pirate, make X's over the top using crisscrossed zucchini strips.
4. Bake, covered, 25 minutes. Bake, uncovered, 5-10 minutes longer or until heated through and cheese is melted. If desired, warm additional sauce and serve with shells. Enjoy! Arrrgh!