Irresistible Spinach And Cheese Stuffed Shells Recipe To Try Tonight

Spinach and cheese stuffed shells represent a delightful Italian-inspired comfort dish that enhances ordinary pasta into a culinary masterpiece.

Pasta lovers understand the magic of perfectly crafted shells filled with creamy, vibrant ingredients.

Soft pasta pockets embrace a rich, flavorful mixture that promises warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

Mediterranean culinary traditions shine through this elegant yet approachable recipe that balances nutrition and indulgence.

Delicate shells become vessels of incredible flavor, merging tender greens with smooth, melted cheese in a harmonious blend.

Earthy spinach adds depth and nutritional value to the classic cheese filling, creating a balanced and wholesome meal.

Families and friends will appreciate the homemade touch and comforting essence of this classic dish.

Why Stuffed Shells Are the Cozy Choice

• Effortless Cheesy Comfort: This recipe delivers a mouthwatering blend of creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan that creates an irresistibly gooey texture perfect for cheese lovers.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: With just 30 minutes of total cooking time and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can whip up this impressive Italian-inspired dish without stress or complicated techniques.
• Nutritious Veggie Boost: Packed with nutrient-rich spinach, this recipe sneaks in green vegetables in a deliciously camouflaged way, making it an excellent meal for picky eaters who want flavor and health benefits.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Great for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, these stuffed shells can be prepared ahead of time and offer a satisfying main course that appeals to multiple taste preferences.

What You Need for Creamy, Cheesy Comfort

• Jumbo Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for stuffing with rich, creamy filling.

• Ricotta Cheese: Soft, creamy cheese that provides a smooth base for the stuffing.
• Cream Cheese: Adds extra richness and helps bind the filling together.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese that creates delicious stretchy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese that brings deep savory flavor.
• Egg: Helps bind and set the cheese mixture.

• Spinach: Tender leafy green that adds nutrition and earthy flavor.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides depth to the filling.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb for garnishing and adding fresh flavor.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato sauce that complements the cheesy shells.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing garlic and spinach.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process.

How to Fill, Bake, and Plate These Beauties

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells

Boil shells in salted water for 13 minutes (1 minute less than al dente). Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Spinach and Garlic

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

• Spinach becomes wilted
• Cooking time is about 3 minutes

Let the mixture cool completely.

Step 4: Create Cheese Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Seasonings
• 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese
• Most of the Parmesan cheese (save some for topping)
• Cream cheese
• 1 egg

Gently fold in the cooled spinach and garlic mixture.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Spread half the marinara sauce in a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.

Fill each pasta shell with the cheese mixture.

Arrange stuffed shells in the dish.

• Remaining marinara sauce
• Remaining mozzarella cheese
• Reserved Parmesan cheese

Step 6: Bake and Finish

Cover the dish and bake for 20 minutes.

Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips for Perfect Pasta and Gooey Cheese

• Perfectly Cook Shells: Undercook pasta by 1 minute to prevent mushy texture when baking, ensuring a tender yet firm bite.
• Drain and Cool Spinach: Squeeze out excess moisture from cooked spinach to keep the filling creamy and prevent watery results.
• Balance Cheese Mixture: Mix cheeses thoroughly but gently to create a smooth, well-incorporated filling that's not overmixed.
• Layer Strategically: Spread marinara sauce on bottom and top of shells to prevent sticking and add extra moisture to the dish.
• Garnish Wisely: Sprinkle fresh parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh flavor and beautiful green color to the final presentation.

How to Keep Shells Moist After Baking

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Spinach and cheese stuffed shells will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Freezing: Wrap individual portions or entire dish in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Warm in oven at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of marinara sauce to restore moisture. Check internal temperature reaches 165 degrees for food safety.

Sides That Complement Every Cheesy Forkful

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio beautifully complement the rich, creamy cheese and fresh spinach flavors, cutting through the heaviness with their bright, acidic notes.
• Match with Fresh Garden Salad: A light mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy shells, adding a crisp texture and tangy flavor profile.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Toasted Italian bread rubbed with garlic perfectly soaks up the extra marinara sauce, creating a delightful side that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Finish with Chilled Lemon Sorbet: A zesty, palate-cleansing dessert helps balance the richness of the stuffed shells, offering a light and refreshing end to the meal.

Stuffing Variations Worth Exploring

• Mediterranean Melody: Swap spinach with sun-dried tomatoes and roasted red peppers, adding crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Protein Power Pack: Incorporate ground turkey or chicken into the cheese mixture, boosting protein content and creating a heartier meal option.
• Veggie Explosion: Mix in diced zucchini, mushrooms, and artichoke hearts to increase vegetable variety and nutritional value.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Blend in jalapeños, cilantro, and swap marinara for enchilada sauce, creating a zesty southwestern-style stuffed shell experience.

Spinach And Cheese Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells bring Italian comfort directly to your dinner table. Jumbo pasta shells nestled with creamy ricotta, tangy spinach, and melted mozzarella create a hearty meal that welcomes warm conversations and satisfied smiles.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 18 jumbo pasta shells (boil extra in case some break)
• 4 cups spinach
• 15 ounces (425 grams) ricotta cheese
• 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 24 ounces (680 grams) marinara sauce

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons cream cheese
• 1 egg

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• Fresh parsley, to garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius), preparing a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 centimeters) casserole dish for the stuffed shells.
2. Cook pasta shells in generously salted water for approximately 13 minutes, which is 1 minute less than the recommended al dente time. Carefully drain and rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process.
3. In a medium skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for one minute until fragrant.
4. Incorporate fresh spinach into the skillet, cooking until completely wilted and tender, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
5. Create the cheese filling by combining ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, beaten egg, half of the shredded mozzarella, most of the grated Parmesan cheese, and selected seasonings in a large mixing bowl.
6. Gently fold the cooled spinach and garlic mixture into the cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
7. Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
8. Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese and spinach mixture, arranging them neatly in the sauce-lined dish.
9. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, then sprinkle the reserved mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
10. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
11. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
12. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

• Perfectly cook pasta shells just shy of al dente to prevent overcooking during baking.
• Squeeze excess moisture from wilted spinach to keep filling creamy and prevent watery texture.
• Mix cheeses at room temperature for smoother, more evenly blended filling.
• Layer marinara sauce at bottom and top of dish to prevent shells from sticking and add extra flavor.
• Let dish rest 5-10 minutes after baking to help filling set and make serving easier.
• Fresh herbs like parsley add bright color and subtle freshness to the rich, cheesy dish.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 525 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 1150 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg