Teresa's Recipes
Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells
Indulge in these Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells, a comforting Italian-American classic that brings together tender jumbo pasta shells filled with a luscious blend of creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Topped with a rich marinara sauce and gooey melted mozzarella, this dish is sure to delight your family or guests with its delightful flavors and inviting aroma. Perfect for a cozy dinner, these stuffed shells are a favorite for both kids and adults alike, making it a timeless dish with a heartwarming history in Italian cuisine.
Ingredients
- 20 shells Jumbo pasta shells
- 15 oz Ricotta cheese
- 3 cups, cooked and chopped Fresh spinach
- 1 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1, beaten Egg
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 cups, divided Marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups, shredded Mozzarella cheese
- for garnish Fresh basil
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 50g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Sugar: 6g
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cooked and chopped spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent the shells from sticking.
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell generously with the ricotta and spinach mixture and carefully place them in the baking dish, opening side up.
- Once all shells are stuffed, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, ensuring all shells are covered.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the stuffed shells.
- Cover the baking dish with foil to keep the moisture in and bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture for a hint of heat.
- You can substitute the spinach with other greens like kale or Swiss chard if desired.
- These stuffed shells can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.