pat's Recipe

Cheesy Shell-Stuffed Shells

Category: Baked

24 dried jumbo shell macaroni
8 ounces dried tiny shell macaroni(2 cups)
2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded (8 ounces)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (8 ounces)
3/4 cup half-n-half or light cream
1/8 tsp white pepper or black pepper
1 24 ounce jar vodka sauce or tomato-base
pasta sauce
4 ounces brick or mozzarella cheese, shredded
(1 cup)
fresh basil leaves

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook jumbo sheels according to package directions. Using a large slotted spoon, transfer sheels to a colander. Rinse with cold water; drain well and set aside. In same pan cook tony sheels according to package directions. Drain; set aside.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan combine Gruyere cheese, cheddar cheese, half-and-half, and pepper. Heat over medium-low heat until cheese is melted and smooth, stirring frequently. Stir in tiny shells.
Spread about 1/2-cup of the vodka sauce in the bottom of a 3-quart rectangular baking dish. Spoon cheese-shell mixture into drained jumbo shells; place stuffed shells in prepared baking dish. Top with remaining sauce.
Bake, covered, for 30 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with brick cheese. Bake, uncovered, about 15 minutes more or until heated through. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. If desired, top with fresh basil.

Makes 6 servings.