Healthier Stuffed Baked Shells

1: Preheat oven to 375°F.

2: Cook the pasta shells in boiling salt water until al dente. Drain, rinse with cool water, and set aside.

3: Heat a pan over medium heat. Add olive oil and sauté onions until translucent (about 3 minutes).

4: Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

5: Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess fat.

6: Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.

7: In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, and egg. Stir in the cooled beef mixture.

8: Spoon the filling into each shell until full.

9: Spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer.

10: Spoon the rest of the marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with extra mozzarella cheese.

11: Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

12: Sprinkle with parsley when finished and enjoy!