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Cheese Stuffed Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sauce
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**Ingredients:**
**For the Stuffed Pasta:**
– 1 package (8 oz) large pasta shells, manicotti, or cannelloni
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
**For the Creamy Tomato Sauce:**
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)
– Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Pasta:**
– Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
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2. **Prepare the Cheese Filling:**
– In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. **Stuff the Pasta:**
– Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon or a piping bag. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.
4. **Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce:**
– In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
– Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
– Stir in the tomato sauce, dried basil, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
– Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
– If desired, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
5. **Combine the Pasta and Sauce:**
– Gently add the stuffed pasta shells to the skillet with the sauce, spooning some sauce over the top to cover the pasta.
– Cover the skillet and let the pasta simmer in the sauce for 10-15 minutes, until heated through and the flavors are well combined.
6. **Serve:**
– Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot, with extra Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.
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This **Cheese Stuffed Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sauce** is a comforting and indulgent dish, perfect for a cozy dinner. Enjoy it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad!