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Dinner time can get a little hectic around here, but if there is one thing that makes it go a little smoother, it is getting the kids involved in cooking.  They both love to help make dinner, Charlie especially.  Ever since he was old enough to sit, he had to be involved, even if all he was doing was watching.  We have some family favorites that we love to make, and the kids know their jobs!

As a parent, any meal loaded with veggies that the kids love is a win, and our Jumbo Stuffed Shells recipe is just the thing.  In the summer, it is even more fun because we hit up the garden or the farmer’s market for some really fresh vegetables to add in.  The kids {sort of} help cut up the vegetables.  Most of the time, I have all of the ingredients for this already in the cupboard from our weekly shopping trips to Walmart.  Have you ever noticed that the pasta aisle is the busiest aisle in the store?

To get started, gather all of your ingredients:

1 Box Jumbo Stuffed Shells

1 Jar Classico Pasta Sauce

2 tbsp Heavy Whipping Cream

1 lb. Mozzarella Shredded  Cheese

Assorted vegetables, meat, whatever you want to add

 We tried this Classico #FamilyFavorites sauce this time and it was a huge hit!  Not only is it a great price, but it is also made with real meat ingredients and the Parmesan & Romano had such a great flavor.

Cook the jumbo shells according to package directions.  While they are cooking, prepare the sauce mixture.  Chop up the vegetables to the size you prefer.  I like a smoother sauce, so we use a food processor.  Mix sauce, vegetables, heavy whipping cream and 1/2 cup of mozzarella shredded cheese in a saucepan.  Stir until warm.

Drain noodles.  I prefer to spray them with cold water to cool them off so we don’t burn our fingers trying to stuff them.  Now, this is where the kids can really get involved.  Using spoons, scoop sauce mixture into each individual shell.  The kids love this part, and the result is usually a bit of a mess.

 Top each shell with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Cool at 350 degrees for approximately 30 minutes or until cheese is golden brown.  Scoop onto plates and dig in.  One of the things that really makes this a family favorite is that we can add whatever we want.  We could add meat, different vegetables, or whatever else sounds good that night.  This will always be a favorite meal because it gets the whole family involved in a healthy, family dinner that we can all enjoy.  Aside from that, it is a proven fact, at least in our house, that the kids are more excited for dinner when they  helped make it.

Get some great money saving coupons on Classico sauce here when you buy 2 jars.

Are your kids little kitchen helpers?  What would you add to this stuffed shells recipe?