Do Ahead Stuffed Shells

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A delicious dish you complete in advance, freeze, then serve when time is limitied (like during the hectic holiday season). you can substitute 1 t. Minced fresh herbs for each t. Dried herbs required. serve with a nice chianti.

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Steps

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If serving immediately , heat oven to 350 degrees.

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Make tomato sauce: soak mushrooms in the warm warm until softened , 30 minutes.

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Drain and reserve liquid.

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Finely chop mushrooms.

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Heat olive oil in medium saucepan over medium-low heat.

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Add onion and garlic and saute , stirring occasionally , until soft , 10 minutes.

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Add wine and cook until almost evaporated.

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Stir in tomatoes , mushrooms and the reserved soaking liquid , salt , and pepper and cook over medium heat 10 minutes.

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Chop parsley with basil.

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Add to sauce and simmer 5 minutes.

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Taste and adjust seasonings.

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Meanwhile , cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to the bite , 10-12 minutes.

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Drain and set aside.

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Mix remaining ingredients except parmesan in medium bowl , then stir in 1 / 4 cup parmesan until blended.

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Using soup spoon , stuff pasta shells with cheese mixture.

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Place half the tomato sauce in casserole large enough to hold shells in single layer , or divide sauce among 2 .

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Ingredients

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dried porcini mushrooms, warm water, olive oil, red onion, garlic clove, red wine, italian plum tomatoes, salt, fresh ground pepper, fresh parsley leaves, dried basil, jumbo pasta shells, whole milk ricotta cheese, prosciutto, shallots, eggs, lemon zest, fresh spinach, fresh chives, fresh parsley, dried thyme, dried oregano, dried marjoram, parmesan cheese