Mediterranean Stuffed Pasta Shells

To date, I haven't found a combination of cheese and pasta that I haven't liked.  Well, I've likes some more than others.  My husband and I went to New Zealand last year for our honeymoon, where there are seriously more sheep than there are people.  I'm not exaggerating...  Here are two sheep in the pasture we walked through on a nature tour to see seals.

Baa Baa

There I had lamb in quite some time.  It was yummy.  So, I thought I could combine that with my favorite Mediterranean flavors...lemon and oregano...into a delightful dinner.  And a lunch my husband was excited about eating again.  Score!

Mediterranean Stuffed Pasta Shells

Mediterranean Stuffed Pasta Shells

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 T olive oil

1/2 red onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 lb. ground lamb (or turkey or beef)

1/2 tsp dried oregano

dash or more of crushed red pepper flakes

salt and pepper, to taste

zest of 1 lemon

1 small container of part skim ricotta cheese

1/4 c. Parmesan cheese

1/4 c. shredded Mozzarella cheese

1/2 to 3/4 box of jumbo shells

1 jar of favorite marinara or pasta sauce

Utensils:

large pot

large saute pan

1 mixing bowl

13x9 baking dish

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Set a large pot of water to boil and parboil pasta shells.

Add the olive oil and onion to saute pan and let the onions soften and become slightly translucent.  Add garlic cloves to pan, cook for about a minute.  Add the ground lamb, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.  Brown the meat and cook through.

While meat is cooking, combine ricotta, Parmesan cheese and lemon zest in a mixing bowl.  Once meat is cooked through.  Let it slightly cool.  While it's cooling.  Pour the jar or marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.  

Combine cheese mixture and the meat mixture.  Stuff meat/cheese mixture into the shells and place on top of the sauce.  Sprinkle with Mozzarella cheese. Bake in the oven about 15 minutes or until cheese on top is melted and golden.  Transfer shells to your plate and top with the marinara sauce.

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