Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Cook pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions, cooking just until al dente. Drain well and return the shells to the large pot with the heat off.
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Brown and crumble the beef until thoroughly cooked, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess grease and return the skillet to medium heat.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Pour in the pasta sauce. Add Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir to combine and let the meat sauce simmer on low for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Add the softened cream cheese cubes to the pot of drained pasta shells. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and every shell is evenly coated. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Spread the creamy pasta shell mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Pour the meat sauce over the top and spread it out in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil (spray the inside of the foil with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.)
- Bake covered for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
Make Ahead: You can assemble this entire dish the night before, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add about 10 extra minutes to the covered baking time since you are starting from cold.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months — cover tightly to protect against freezer burn.
Boost the nutrition: Stir a couple big handfuls of fresh baby spinach into the meat sauce right before assembling for an easy, wholesome way to sneak some greens into this family favorite!