Feta Stuffed Pasta Shells

Cooking baked feta pasta with cherry tomatoes herbs and garlic, Trending Feta pasta recipe

About

Brenda Gantt

I am a self-taught cook. I started cooking around 18 years old. I stood in the kitchen and watched my mother, who was my biggest inspiration at the time, cook.

Servings: 1

 

INGREDIENTS:

  • 48 Pasta shells; large
  • 3/4 cup Feta cheese; crumbled
  • 3/4 cup Red pepper; finely diced
  • 12 Olives; black pitted and finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup Walnuts; finely chopped
  • 2 Tbs Parsley; fresh chopped
  • 1/2 tsp Oregano; dried

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. In a pot of boiling water, cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente.
  2. Rinse the cooked pasta shells under cold water to cool them down. Drain well and then arrange the shells on a large microwave-safe serving dish. Set aside.
  3. In a bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, finely diced red pepper, chopped black olives, finely chopped walnuts, fresh chopped parsley, and dried oregano.
  4. Take each pasta shell and fill it with about 1 teaspoon of the feta cheese mixture.
  5. Use a toothpick to skewer each stuffed shell, securing the filling inside.
  6. Microwave the stuffed shells at Medium (50%) power for 4 to 5 minutes or until they are heated through.
  7. Serve these delicious stuffed pasta shells as appetizers for your guests to enjoy!

 

Note: The recipe makes approximately 48 appetizers.

 

Here are some ideas for different fillings and flavors:

  1. Spinach and Ricotta: Mix cooked spinach and ricotta cheese for a classic and creamy filling. Add some garlic and nutmeg for extra flavor.
  2. Mushroom and Goat Cheese: Sauté chopped mushrooms with garlic and herbs, then combine them with creamy goat cheese for a savory and earthy filling.
  3. Cheese Trio: Create a filling using a blend of different cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan. Add some chopped herbs or sun-dried tomatoes for added depth.
  4. Chicken and Pesto: Cook and shred some chicken, then mix it with pesto sauce and a touch of cream or ricotta cheese for a delightful and savory filling.
  5. Butternut Squash and Sage: Roast and mash butternut squash, then mix it with sautéed onions, garlic, and fresh sage for a delicious autumn-inspired filling.
  6. Seafood Delight: Combine cooked shrimp, crabmeat, or lobster with cream cheese, green onions, and a hint of lemon zest for an indulgent seafood filling.
  7. Vegan Delight: Make a plant-based filling using a mixture of seasoned and mashed chickpeas, nutritional yeast, and chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini.
  8. Tex-Mex Twist: Mix cooked ground beef or turkey with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and your favorite Tex-Mex spices. Top with shredded cheese before baking.
  9. Buffalo Chicken: Shred cooked chicken and mix it with buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and a bit of ranch dressing for a spicy and tangy filling.
  10. Caprese Style: Stuff the shells with mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a refreshing and colorful appetizer.
  11. Greek Inspired: Fill the pasta shells with a mixture of cooked spinach, crumbled feta cheese, chopped Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of dried oregano. Serve with a dollop of tzatziki sauce on top.
  12. Italian Sausage and Ricotta: Brown and crumble Italian sausage, then mix it with ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, and a touch of chopped basil. Top with marinara sauce and bake until bubbly.
  13. Bacon and Cheddar: Cook and crumble bacon, then combine it with shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and a bit of chopped green onions for a savory and indulgent filling.
  14. Pesto Alfredo: Create a luxurious filling by mixing pesto sauce and Alfredo sauce together. Add some shredded chicken or cooked shrimp for added protein.
  15. Ricotta and Spinach Alfredo: Combine sautéed spinach with ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and a creamy Alfredo sauce. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs before baking for a crunchy topping.

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