Description
A delightful recipe for Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 ounces fresh spinach, chopped
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your 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 large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the cooked spinach mixture until well combined.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the spinach and cheese mixture, then place the stuffed shells in the baking dish, open side up.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
- For a meatier version, add cooked ground beef or turkey to the cheese mixture.
- Try using different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a unique flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg