Three-Cheese Winter Stuffed Pasta

45 servings (9 servings of 5 shells each)

Ingredients

Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp Lactantia Unsalted Butter
  • ½ white onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, diced
  • ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • ¾ cup vodka
  • 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 28 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 1 ½ cups Lactantia 35% whipping cream
  • ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • ½ cup fresh oregano, chopped

Pasta:

  • 12 oz box jumbo pasta shells, cooked
  • 5 cups Galbani Ricotta Cheese
  • 2 ½ cups Cracker Barrel Cheddar Shreds
  • 1 cup pesto
  • 2 ¼ cups Galbani Mozzarella Cheese, shredded

Directions

  1. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for 20 seconds.
  2. Sanitize all work surfaces.
  3. Use a green cutting board for vegetables and herbs.

Make the sauce:

  1. In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter.
  2. Add onion, garlic, and chili flakes (if using). Cook until golden brown.
  3. Add vodka and simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in crushed and diced tomatoes, whipping cream, basil, and oregano. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and allow sauce to cool.
  6. In a large bowl, combine ricotta, cheddar, and pesto.
  7. Fill the cooked pasta shells evenly with the cheese mixture.

Assemble:

  1. Spread ½ cup sauce in a serving dish.
  2. Arrange 5 stuffed shells on top.
  3. Cover with an additional ½ cup sauce.
  4. Sprinkle ¼ cup shredded mozzarella over the top.
  5. Cover and refrigerate until service.

For Service:

  1. To heat for service, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until heated through and cheese is melted.
  3. Discard any pasta that has been at room temperature for more than 2 hours.