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Unstuffed Marinara Shells with Whipped Cottage Cheese

These jumbo shells are filled with a delicious, tomato sauce and have a delightful base of whipped cottage cheese (you could also use ricotta). It's a simple yet satisfying meal that's perfect for any night of the week.
Print Recipe
Unstuffed Marinara Shells with Whipped Cottage Cheese
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1-2 T Avocado Oil
  • 1 pound jumbo pasta shells
  • 1/2 LB Ground Beef
  • 1/2 LB Italian Sausage
  • 3 Shallots diced
  • 3 Cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 t Dried Oregano
  • 2 t Dried Thyme leaves
  • 1 pinch Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
  • 1 6 oz can tomato paste
  • 1 28 oz can San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes
  • 2-3 T Brown Sugar
  • kosher salt and black pepper
  • 2 cups chopped greens such as kale, spinach, or chard Optional
  • 1 cup whole milk cottage cheese whipped in the blender

Instructions

  • Heat the oil and toast the spices: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the shallots, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Add garlic in the final minute of cooking. Cook until the shallots begin to caramelize, a few minutes. Be careful not to burn.
  • Add the beef and sausage and brown on all sides, about 5-8 minutes. Reduce heat. Stir in tomato paste, and cook 2 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, water, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10-15 minutes, or until sauce thickens. Adjust seasonings to taste.
  • While the sauce is going, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
  • Once noodles and sauce are done, add pasta to sauce and toss. (Optional: Add greens, stir until wilted.)
  • Assemble the Pasta Bowls: Spread a layer of Cottage cheese in the bottom of each pasta bowl. Spoon the cooked pasta and sauce over the ricotta cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!