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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F, creating an ideal environment for baking the stuffed shells.
- Spread a generous layer of spaghetti sauce across the bottom of a large glass baking dish, ensuring complete coverage.
- Cook pasta shells in boiling water for approximately 11 minutes until they reach a tender al dente consistency, then carefully drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, finely dice onions, mince garlic, and chop spinach to prepare for the filling.
- Sauté onions and garlic in a skillet over medium-high heat until fragrant and slightly translucent.
- 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.
- Gently stuff each pasta shell with the prepared mixture, arranging them carefully in the sauce-lined baking dish.
- Optional: Drizzle additional sauce over the shells or leave them partially exposed to highlight the filling’s vibrant colors.
- Generously sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the shells. Enhance flavor with a light dusting of red pepper flakes and dried basil.
- 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