Republic Day Special : Cheese and Bell Peppers Filled Pasta Shells
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| Tricolour Pasta Shells |
Ingredients-
1cup pasta sauce
3 jumbo shells of three colours(orange-white and green )
2garlic cloves, minced,
1 medium sweet onion, diced,
2 tsp extra virgin olive oil,
2tbsps fresh basil leaves, chopped finely,
1/2cup finely chopped three colors bell peppers
1 cup grated cottage cheese,
1sp processed cheese,
salt, or to taste,
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste,
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice,
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional),
Parmesan cheese-(optional)
Method -
Cook shells in a pot of boiling water until al dente, about 8-11 minutes. Be careful not to overcook. Drain shells and set aside to cool.
Grease a casserole dish. I used 3shells but you’ll need to cook more than that as some shells will break during the cooking process.
Cook shells in a pot of boiling water until al dente, about 8-11 minutes. Be careful not to overcook. Drain shells and set aside to cool.
Preheat oven to 400F. In a large pan sauté the garlic and onion in the oil for about 5 minutes.Add chopped three colors bell peppers .Season with salt and pepper. Add in the chopped basil, and sauté for another 2minutes.Add grated cheese. Stir in processed cheese ,salt, pepper, lemon, all to taste. Over medium heat, cook for about 2-3minutes or until most of the water cooks off.
Spoon about ¾ cup of pasta sauce into the casserole dish and spread around. Add about 2 tbsp of cheese mixture into each stuffed shell and place shells on top of pasta sauce.Arrange first orange,then white in the last green.Cover shells with the remaining pasta sauce and cheese. Cover dish with tin foil and poke several air holes. Bake at 400F for about 10 minutes or until heated throughout.
Sprinkle red chill flakes and Parmesan cheese .Garnish with basil leaves. Can serve with a basic green salad and garlic bread.
HAPPY REPUBLIC DAY..
