Baked Shells with Cherry Tomatoes

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 400.

2. 2

   Butter the bottom and sides of the baking dish, and spread half the marinara sauce in the bottom.

3. 3

   Cook the shells until slightly underdone, a minute or two less than package directions.

4. 4

   While the pasta is cooking, heat the remainder of the sauce in the skillet.

5. 5

   Drain the cooked pasta in a colander, shake off excess water, and dump it into the pan.

6. 6

   Toss pasta with sauce until coated, over medium-low heat, then toss with the sliced tomatoes for a minute or so to heat and soften them, but dont break them up.

7. 7

   Off the heat, toss the shells with half the grated hard cheese and half the shredded mozzarella, and turn everything into the baking dish.

8. 8

   Scatter the fresh mozzarella balls or pieces and the shredded basil all over, and fold them into the pasta.

9. 9

   Spread the pasta level in the dish, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese all over, and then the remaining grated cheese.

10. 10

    Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes, or until the top is crusty and nicely colored.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.