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Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells

Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells


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  • Author: Kate Walton
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food for pasta lovers. Jumbo shells are filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach blend, baked in marinara, and topped with melty mozzarella. It’s a family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and vegetarian pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.


Ingredients

16 jumbo pasta shells

15 oz ricotta cheese

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp Italian seasoning

2 cups marinara sauce

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper


Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente (about 9 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water. Lay them on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.

2. In a large bowl, combine ricotta, spinach, 1/2 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

4. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

5. Fill each pasta shell with the ricotta-spinach mixture using a spoon or piping bag.

6. Arrange filled shells in the baking dish over the marinara layer.

7. Spoon the remaining 1 cup marinara sauce over the shells. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella.

8. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly golden.

9. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or more Parmesan, if desired.

Notes

Let the cooked shells cool completely before stuffing to prevent tearing.

Squeeze out all excess moisture from the spinach for a creamy, not watery, filling.

You can prep this dish a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 shells
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 610mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg