Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells

Transform your dinner routine with Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells, a comforting Italian-inspired dish brimming with creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and savory Parmesan cheese. Perfectly cooked jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with a flavorful spinach and garlic mixture, creating a satisfying balance of texture and taste. Smothered in rich marinara sauce and baked to golden, bubbly perfection, this recipe combines hearty flavors with wholesome ingredients. Whether you're serving it for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this impressive yet easy-to-make dish is sure to become a favorite. Garnish with fresh basil for a burst of color and enjoy as a standout vegetarian entree that pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 20 pieces Jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups Ricotta cheese
• 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cups Grated Parmesan cheese
• 6 cups Fresh spinach
• 1 large Egg
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 cups Marinara sauce
• 0.25 cups Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool. Once cooled, chop the spinach finely.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, the egg, chopped spinach, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 6

Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 7

Using a spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell with the spinach and cheese mixture, then arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish in a single layer.

Step 8

Pour the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 9

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 10

Remove the stuffed shells from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1660.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2197.3

Total Fat 142.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 74.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.3g
Cholesterol 721.7mg	0%
Sodium 5925.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 95.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.0g	0%
Total Sugars 12.4g
Protein 151.2g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 4448.0mg	0%
Iron 13.2mg	0%
Potassium 795.1mg	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: 56.5%

Protein: 26.7%

Carbs: 16.8%