Cheese Stuffed Shells

This is a fabulous Italian dish that my family loves!  I hope that you love it too, and be sure to experiment around if you want to add a meat to it, try ground beef, italian sausage, or chicken!  There is plenty for four for dinner with leftovers for those lunches during the week!


2lb ricotta cheese
8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
8 oz italian blend cheese
1/4 c. grated parmesan cheese
2 TBS italian seasoning
1 tsp minced garlic
1 box giant shell pasta
1 TBS dried onions
2 eggs
dash pepper
1 jar spaghetti sauce ( or make your own)

Optional:
1 pkg frozen chopped spinach, thawed and thoroughly drained
1 lb ground beef or italian sausage
italian sausage links


Directions:

Preheat oven to 350.  Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook shells for 10 minutes. You do not want them to be completely done.  In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, eggs, parmesan, italian seasoning, garlic, onions, black pepper, half of mozzarella, half of italian and onions.  If you are adding another stuffing, this is when you mix it in.  If you are adding cooked meat, make sure you cook it completely before mixing it in to the cheese.  When the shells are finished, cool them completely in cold water and drain.  Spray an 9x11 baking pan with non stick spray.  Use a tablespoon to fill the shells and sit the in the baking dish.  Once all shells are filled, top with spaghetti sauce and then cheese.  Bake, uncovered, for 20-30 minutes. Serve hot.