The Yummiest Stuffed Pasta Shells

So, my husband LOVES these so much he told me last time I made them that in the 5 years of begin married to me that he has never loved anything I've cooked for him more than these stuffed shells. I LOVE hearing that, makes me feel so good. It feels so good to cook something you get compliments on right? Well this is one of those dishes!

It works well as main dish or as a side dish since it's got meat in it. You can also make it without meat in it and serve it with chicken or salmon. Here I am talking about this great dish and I haven't even told you what it is yet. Seven Words people: Jumbo Meat and Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells. They are delicious, and the best part about this recipe is that people who are allergic to dairy can enjoy it as well with very little tweaking to the recipe! Awesome, right? Here it is...

You will need:

-20-30 Jumbo pasta shells, depending on how big your family is or wether you're making it a main course or a side dish

-1-8 oz container chive and onion cream cheese (you can buy this or make your own which is very easy. I've posted how below)

-1/2 lb ground turkey, seasoned however you like (unless you like it w/ taco seasoning, that would really not be good! lol I usually just use a few sprinkles each of Salt and Pepper)

-Parmesen Cheese, 1/2 a cup maybe? (or non-dairy imitation parmesan, health food stores sell this)

-1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded (you can also use veggie shreds tofu cheese, motz flavor) and some for sprinkling

-Your favorite pasta or marinara sauce

Chive and Onion Cream Cheese:

In a bowl bigger than the container mix all the cream cheese (I use Toffuti brand non-dairy imitation cream cheese from the health food store. you'll never know the difference. I've made it both ways and I actually like using this better) with one heaping tsp of fine Onion powder and a healthy sprinkling of dried chives. It's that easy and saves you money, too!

Instructions:

Cook the shells according to the directions on the box or bag. Prep your casserole dish by pouring and spreading a thin layer of pasta sauce on the bottom. Preheat the oven to 325°

Soften your cream cheese in the microwave for about 30 seconds and dump into a bowl.

Add the 1 cup mozzarella and mix together. Sprinkle with Parmesan, add browned turkey burger, and mix again. Add another light sprinkling of parmesan. Make sure everything is mixed together really well.

When your shells are done cooking, drain them. Using a spoon stuff each shell with the cheese/meat mixture until they are full and set them side by side in the prepped casserole dish.

When your dish is full, cover the shells with more pasta sauce and top with a light sprinkling of mozzarella. Cover w/ tin foil or the lid if your dish has one.

Cook covered for 30-45 minutes then remove the foil/lid and sprinkle some more mozzarella. Cook uncovered an additional 10 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes and serve.