Italian Soul Food

Ingredients -- pasta shells, marinara sauce, and filling, consisting of:

oregano
basil
parsley
black pepper
rosemary
1 egg
12 oz. ricotta cheese
3 oz. mozarella cheese
1 oz. parmasean cheese
2 oz. cut spinach
2 cloves roasted garlic

Boil 7-10 large pasta shells for about 10 minutes in salted water at a rolling boil. Meanwhile, mix all ingredients above in a mixing bowl. When pasta is al dente, remove from water. Spoon stuffing mixture into each shell; arrange shells in baking pan. When complete, pour marinara sauce on top of pasta. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350º for 25 minutes. Remove foil and increase heat to 450º. Grate a layer of mozzarella cheese on top of pasta and sauce, return to oven for 10 minutes or until cheese begins to toast. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Shown here with grilled Italian sausage.