Irresistible Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells Recipe for Dinner Joy

Shells bursting with creamy cheesy spinach stuffed shells bring comfort to any dinner table.

These delightful pasta pockets offer a perfect blend of rich cheese and tender spinach.

Each shell cradles a delectable mixture that melts in your mouth with every bite.

The recipe combines simple ingredients to create a crowd-pleasing meal that feels both elegant and homey.

Pasta lovers will appreciate the hearty filling and smooth texture of this classic Italian-inspired dish.

The combination of spinach and cheese creates a nutritious and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

Prepare to savor every delicious forkful of this irresistible pasta creation.

Serving Stuffed Shells with Sauce and Style

• Pasta Paradise Platter: Serve these cheesy shells alongside a crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette for a balanced meal that adds freshness and crunch.
• Italian Feast Companion: Pair with garlic bread or focaccia to soak up the delicious sauce and provide an extra carbohydrate element to the dish.
• Wine and Dine Delight: Complement the rich, cheesy shells with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio to enhance the overall dining experience.
• Veggie Boost Bonus: Add a side of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus to increase nutritional value and provide additional color to the plate.

Storing Cheesy Spinach Shells

• Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and potential bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual shells or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Place a date label to track storage time.
• Place shells on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the filling to prevent a watery mixture.

• Is this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! This cheesy spinach stuffed shells recipe is completely vegetarian and packed with protein from the ricotta and cheeses.

• Can I prepare these shells in advance?

You can assemble the stuffed shells a day ahead and refrigerate. Just cover tightly with plastic wrap and bake when ready, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

• What type of pasta shells work best?

Large or jumbo pasta shells are ideal for this recipe. They provide the perfect size and shape for stuffing with the cheese and spinach mixture.

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells: Why They’re a Family Favorite

• Packed with spinach, this recipe delivers a powerful punch of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a healthier alternative to traditional pasta dishes.
• Swap ingredients, adjust spice levels, or add extra proteins like ground chicken or turkey to suit personal preferences and dietary needs.
• Creamy cheese, tender pasta shells, and rich sauce create an irresistible meal that satisfies everyone from kids to adults, perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
• Simple cooking techniques and straightforward ingredients mean you can whip up a delicious, restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Creamy Cheesy Stuffed Shells

• Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells that hold the delicious spinach and cheese filling perfectly.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese that provides a smooth and rich texture to the stuffing.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds a tangy and salty flavor to the filling.
• Spinach: Nutritious green vegetable that brings color and earthy taste to the dish.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the filling together and creates a firmer texture.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational vegetables that provide depth and aromatic base to the filling.
• Herbs and Spices: Blend of seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the stuffed shells.
• Red Pepper Flakes, Dried Basil: Spices that add a hint of heat and herbal note to the dish.

• Spaghetti Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that creates a comforting base for the shells.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese that creates a golden and gooey topping for the dish.

Kitchen Tools for Easy Stuffed Shell Prep

• Large baking dish: Essential for preparing and baking the stuffed shells.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining cheese, spinach, and seasonings for the filling.
• Small pan: Needed for sautéing onions and garlic.
• Colander: Used to drain cooked pasta shells.
• Cutting board: Great for chopping onions, garlic, and spinach.
• Sharp knife: Helps with precise vegetable chopping.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Useful for mixing filling and sautéing vegetables.
• Aluminum foil: Covers the dish during baking to prevent excessive browning.

How to Make Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350°F, getting it ready for some delicious magic.

Step 2: Create Sauce Base

Grab your baking dish and spread a generous layer of spaghetti sauce across the bottom.

This will keep your shells from sticking and add extra flavor.

Step 3: Cook Pasta Shells

Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and drop in your pasta shells.

Cook until they’re tender but still have a slight bite, about 11 minutes.

Drain and let them cool down a bit.

Step 4: Prep Veggie Companions

• Onion (diced small)
• Garlic (minced)
• Spinach (chopped fine)

Step 5: Sauté Flavor Builders

Heat up a pan and dance those onions and garlic around until they’re golden and fragrant.

Step 6: Create Creamy Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Chopped spinach
• Sautéed onions and garlic
• Herbs and spices
• Optional: Whisk in an egg or two for extra richness

Step 7: Stuff Those Shells

Carefully spoon your creamy mixture into each pasta shell, nestling them snugly in the sauce-lined baking dish.

Step 8: Add Extra Sauce Excitement

Drizzle more sauce over the shells if you’re feeling saucy, or leave them partially exposed for a rustic look.

Step 9: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella and parmesan on top.

For a kick, add some red pepper flakes and dried basil.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide into the oven.

Bake for 20-30 minutes until the filling is steaming hot and the sauce is bubbling.

If the cheese needs more melting, remove the foil and bake for an extra 5-10 minutes.

Tips for Rich, Cheesy, and Perfectly Baked Shells

• Select crisp, vibrant green spinach leaves to ensure maximum flavor and nutritional value in your stuffed shells.
• Slightly undercook pasta shells during boiling to maintain their structure and prevent becoming mushy when baked.
• Add cooked ground turkey or crumbled sausage to the filling for extra protein and a heartier meal option.
• Squeeze excess water from chopped spinach using a clean kitchen towel to prevent watery filling and maintain perfect texture.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like fresh basil or oregano to elevate the filling's aromatic profile and add depth to the dish's overall flavor.

Stuffed Shell Variations for Every Pasta Lover

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace ricotta with tofu, use nutritional yeast instead of cheese, and swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a plant-based protein-packed version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure all sauce and cheese ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute pasta shells with roasted cauliflower florets, creating a lighter, vegetable-based alternative that's perfect for keto dieters.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and feta cheese to transform the classic recipe into a Mediterranean-inspired dish with bold, zesty flavors.

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy cheesy spinach stuffed shells bring Italian comfort to your dinner table. Pasta shells packed with rich spinach and melted cheese offer a satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal that delights and comforts you.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 24 uncooked large pasta shells
• 16 ounces (454 grams) whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1–2 cups freshly grated mozzarella cheese
• 1 heaping cup (approximately 2 ounces or 56 grams) freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 5 ounces (142 grams) fresh baby spinach (chopped)
• 48 ounces (1.4 kilograms) spaghetti sauce

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 cups diced onion (white or yellow)
• 3–4 cloves garlic (smashed and minced)

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend (salt-free Mrs. Dash recommended)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2–1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1–2 large eggs
• Pinch of salt
• Drizzle of oil (to prevent sticking and season the water)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F, creating an ideal environment for baking the stuffed shells.
2. Spread a generous layer of spaghetti sauce across the bottom of a large glass baking dish, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Cook pasta shells in boiling water for approximately 11 minutes until they reach a tender al dente consistency, then carefully drain and set aside.
4. While pasta cooks, finely dice onions, mince garlic, and chop spinach to prepare for the filling.
5. Sauté onions and garlic in a skillet over medium-high heat until fragrant and slightly translucent.
6. Combine ricotta, parmesan, chopped spinach, sautéed vegetables, and seasonings in a large mixing bowl. Incorporate whisked eggs to bind the filling and enhance its texture.
7. Gently stuff each pasta shell with the prepared mixture, arranging them carefully in the sauce-lined baking dish.
8. Optional: Drizzle additional sauce over the shells or leave them partially exposed to highlight the filling’s vibrant colors.
9. Generously sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the shells. Enhance flavor with a light dusting of red pepper flakes and dried basil.
10. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes until the filling is heated through and sauce bubbles. If cheese needs more melting, remove foil and bake an additional 5-10 minutes.

Notes

• Opt for fresh spinach to enhance the vibrant flavor and nutritional value of the dish, ensuring a more robust and authentic taste.
• Create a gluten-free version by using alternative pasta shells made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour for those with dietary restrictions.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding goat cheese or switching to a vegan cheese alternative to personalize the recipe’s flavor profile.
• Maximize meal prep by preparing the stuffed shells in advance and freezing them before baking, making it a convenient make-ahead dinner option for busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg