Cheesy Pasta Stuffed Shells

Ingredients

• 24
  dried jumbo shell macaroni
• 8
  ounces dried tiny shell macaroni (2 cups)
• 2
  cups Gruyere cheese, shredded (8 ounces)
• 2
  cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (8 ounces)
• 3/4
  cup half-and-half or light cream
• 1/8
  teaspoon ground white pepper or ground black pepper
• 1
  24 ounce jar vodka sauce or your favorite tomato pasta sauce
• 1
  cup shredded brick cheese or mozzarella cheese (4 ounces)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)

   
• Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cook jumbo shells according to package directions. Using a large slotted spoon, transfer shells to a colander. Rinse with cold water; drain well. Set aside. In the same pan, cook tiny shells according to package directions; drain. Set aside.

  2. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan combine Gruyere cheese, cheddar cheese, half-and-half, and pepper. Heat over medium-low heat until cheese melts and is smooth, stirring frequently. Stir in tiny shells.

  3. Spread about 1/2 cup of the vodka sauce into the bottom of a 3-quart rectangular baking dish. Spoon the cheese mixture evenly into the drained jumbo shells; place stuffed shells in prepared baking dish. Top with remaining vodka sauce.

  4. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle evenly with brick cheese. Bake, uncovered, about 15 minutes more or until heated through (160 degrees F). If desired, top with fresh basil.