Baked Shells with Fresh Spinach and Pancetta

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this irresistibly creamy Baked Shells with Fresh Spinach and Pancetta. Perfectly cooked pasta shells are tossed in a rich homemade cream sauce infused with Parmesan, garlic, and a hint of nutmeg, then combined with crispy pancetta and sautéed spinach for a flavorful twist on a classic baked dish. Topped with melted mozzarella and golden, crunchy panko breadcrumbs, this recipe offers the perfect balance of textures in every bite. Ready in under an hour, this hearty dish is ideal for cozy family dinners or impressing dinner guests. Serve it as a satisfying main course or pair it with a fresh green salad for an unforgettable meal! Keywords: baked shells recipe, spinach and pancetta pasta bake, creamy pasta casserole, easy Italian dinner recipe, comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 51/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 ounces medium pasta shells
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 ounces pancetta, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 0.125 teaspoons nutmeg
• 1 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray and set it aside.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until crispy, about 4–5 minutes. Remove the pancetta with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the fresh spinach in batches, stirring frequently until wilted. This should take about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 5

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps.

Step 6

Cook the sauce over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove from heat.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta shells, sautéed spinach, crispy pancetta, and cheese sauce. Mix well to coat everything evenly.

Step 8

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.

Step 9

In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the mozzarella layer.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your baked shells with fresh spinach and pancetta as a cozy main dish or alongside a crisp green salad!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1601.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3400.6

Total Fat 283.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 149.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.6g
Cholesterol 782.3mg	0%
Sodium 8098.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 72.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.4g	0%
Total Sugars 18.3g
Protein 121.2g	0%

Vitamin D 107.4IU	0%
Calcium 2931.8mg	0%
Iron 18.5mg	0%
Potassium 3571.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 76.7%

Protein: 14.6%

Carbs: 8.7%