Stuffed Shells Recipe

This recipe from Aunt Karna is a family favorite. It’s super easy to make and works equally well for regular dinners at home or parties (with a nice salad and garlic bread). It’s also a great dish to bring to someone with a new baby or recovering from illness.

Aunt Karna’s Stuffed Shells

1 large jar Prego (pick your flavor)

1 lb. bulk Italian sausage*

3 cups mozzarella cheese

1 large container cottage cheese

2 cups finely shredded parmesan cheese

1 package large pasta shells

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook the shells according to package directions. Meanwhile, fry the sausage until it’s cooked through. Drain the shells and let cool a little so you can handle them. Drain the sausage (break up into smaller pieces with a spoon if necessary) and mix in a large bowl with the cottage cheese and mozzarella. Stuff the shells with the meat and cheese mixture and place in a 9 X 13 pan. Cover the shells with Prego and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for  about 40 minutes or until cheese is nicely browned.

* You can substitute frozen spinach (thawed and drained) for a lower fat alternative.

Our kids have a two-hour late start for school today because it’s so cold. Can those of you in warmer climes even get your minds around that? I hardly can and I grew up here. At any rate, we’re enjoying the extra time this morning. Andrew is still sleeping, Lexie is sewing whalebone stays for her American girl doll Elizabeth, Will is researching giant cargo ships online, and Lily is making popsicle sticks into little people. I have a list of things to do myself, but first I’m going to read a chapter from next month’s book club selection, The Forgotten Garden, by Kate Morton.

I hope you have a great weekend!

• Take Them a Meal is a free online service that makes it easy for family and friends to deliver meals to someone in need.
• Interesting list of favorite romantic movies. Does it include yours?
• Lily lives in flowery knit dresses. Garnet Hill is having a sale on these.
• Day 21 of the Push-Up Challenge.