{Make-Ahead} Unstuffed Shells

I made this for the family a few weeks ago... it was a total HIT!  Super-easy, and made great leftovers, too.  Will definitely be revisiting this recipe again right after the holidays.  :)  (As seen on Kraft.) I like to double this recipe - keep one for us, and share a dish with others!

{Make-Ahead} Unstuffed Shells

total time: 1 hr 15 min
prep time: 30 min
servings: 6

4 c. medium pasta shells, uncooked (2/3 of 16-oz. box)
1 lb. extra-lean ground beef or mild Italian sausage
1+ jar (24-32 oz.) marinara sauce (I like to use Classico Family Favorites - Smooth & Rich Traditional flavor)
1 8-oz. block of cream cheese
1/2 c. sour cream

1 tsp. minced garlic
1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
1/3 c. chopped fresh basil
1/4 c. grated or shredded Parmesan cheese
1.5 c. shredded mozzarella cheese 

Cook pasta as directed on package, without salt.

Brown meat in large skillet; drain. 

Stir in marinara sauce; simmer on medium heat for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Drain pasta. 

Mix cream cheese, sour cream, garlic, Italian seasoning, basil and Parmesan in large bowl; stir in pasta.

Spray 13x9 baking dish with non-stick spray. 

Spread half the meat sauce onto bottom of the dish; cover with layers of pasta mixture and remaining meat sauce. 

Sprinkle with mozzarella; cover with foil. 

2 options:

1. BAKE NOW - Heat oven to 375ºF. Cover dish - bake 20 minutes. Uncover dish - bake another 10 minutes.
2. BAKE LATER - {Refrigerate up to 24 hours.} Heat oven to 375ºF. Cover dish - bake 30 minutes. Uncover dish - bake another 15-20 minutes.

Shopping list if doubling recipe:

• 2 boxes of medium pasta shells
• 2 lbs. extra-lean ground beef or mild Italian sausage
• 3 24-oz. jars Classico Family Favorites - Smooth & Rich Traditional flavor
• 2 blocks of cream cheese
• 16 oz. sour cream
• minced garlic
• Italian seasoning
• basil
• 1/2 c. shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 bags shredded mozzarella cheese

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