– 20 jumbo pasta shells
– 2 medium zucchinis, finely chopped
– 1 cup of ricotta cheese
– 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese
– 1 cup of basil pesto
– 1 teaspoon of olive oil
– 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Creating Spicy Zucchini and Pesto Cheese Stuffed Shells can be straightforward by following these steps:
1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by greasing it lightly with olive oil.
2. Cook Pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set them aside to cool slightly.
3. Sauté Zucchini: In a skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped zucchini and sauté until tender (about 5-7 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
4. Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, half of the parmesan, sautéed zucchini, and basil pesto. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
5. Stuff Shells: Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the zucchini and cheese mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in the greased baking dish.
6. Top and Bake: Pour any remaining pesto evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
These steps will guide you in creating an incredible dish that balances flavor and satisfaction!