Super-Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Ingredients

• 1 (12 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells
• 1 (24 ounce) jar tomato and basil pasta sauce
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 2 (15 ounce) containers ricotta cheese
• 1 (8 ounce) package 5-cheese Italian cheese blend, shredded
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• fresh basil (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Cook shells according to package directions; drain.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

3. 3

   Coat 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray.

4. 4

   Combine sauce and tomatoes with their juice; spread 1/2 cup sauce mixture in baking dish.

5. 5

   Combine ricotta, 1 cup cheese blend, egg, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

6. 6

   Spoon mixture into shells; place in baking dish.

7. 7

   Top with remaining sauce mixture; cover with foil.

8. 8

   Bake 45 minutes.

9. 9

   Uncover; sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese blend.

10. 10

    Bake until cheese is melted, 5 minutes.

11. 11

    Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

12. 12

    If desired, garnish with basil.