Oh, let me tell you about the cozy goodness of Spinach & Cheese Stuffed Shells! These delightful little pasta pockets are like warm hugs on a plate. I love serving them as a side dish because they pair so beautifully with just about anything—think grilled chicken, a hearty marinara spaghetti, or even a simple salad. One of my fondest memories is making these with my mom on chilly Sunday afternoons. We’d fill those shells together, laughing and sneaking bites of the cheesy filling. And trust me, there’s something magical about that blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and fresh spinach, all nestled in tender pasta. It’s comfort food at its finest, and once you try them, you’ll see why they’re a staple in my kitchen!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful Spinach & Cheese Stuffed Shells:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese (creamy and dreamy!)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for that gooey goodness)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (a must for flavor)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (the fresher, the better!)
- 1 large egg (to bind everything together)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (your favorite kind)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for that aromatic touch)
- Salt and pepper to taste (seasoning is key!)
How to Prepare Spinach & Cheese Stuffed Shells
Preheating and Cooking the Pasta
First things first, you’ve got to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your shells bake evenly and get that lovely golden-brown finish. While the oven is warming up, cook your jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions—usually, that means boiling them for about 9-11 minutes until they’re al dente. Don’t worry if they seem a bit firm; they’ll soften up in the oven! Once done, drain them gently, and set them aside to cool. This part can get a little tricky, so be careful not to tear the shells! Trust me, no one wants a broken shell spilling cheesy filling everywhere!
Preparing the Filling
Now, let’s make the filling! In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped spinach, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until it’s well combined. You want that filling to be creamy and slightly thick, not too runny. This is the heart of the dish, so take a moment to taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Oh, the smell is heavenly! You’ll want to savor this moment because once it’s stuffed in the shells, it’s hard to resist sneaking a bite!
Assembling the Dish
Time to put it all together! Start by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish—this prevents the shells from sticking and adds extra flavor. Next, grab a pasta shell and fill it generously with your cheese and spinach mixture. Don’t be shy; you want them packed! Place the filled shells seam-side up in the baking dish. Once they’re all snug in there, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, covering them completely. This provides moisture and keeps them from drying out while baking.
Baking Instructions
Cover your baking dish tightly with foil—this helps steam the shells and keeps them nice and tender. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil and let them bake for another 10 minutes. This is where the magic happens! You want the cheese to melt and bubble up, creating that irresistible golden crust on top. When they come out of the oven, let them sit for a few minutes before serving. You’ll be rewarded with soft, cheesy shells that are bursting with flavor, and your kitchen will smell divine!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for one serving of these delightful Spinach & Cheese Stuffed Shells. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, with around 15 grams of fat, 15 grams of protein, and 40 grams of carbohydrates. You’ll also find about 600 mg of sodium and 3 grams of fiber. Keep in mind, these values can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use, but they give you a good idea of what to expect!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to prepare, even for weeknight dinners!
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it perfect for meatless meals.
- Deliciously versatile—pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, salads, or can stand alone.
- Hearty and filling, yet light enough to enjoy any time.
- Always a hit with family and friends, so you’ll impress your guests!
Tips for Success
To make your Spinach & Cheese Stuffed Shells truly shine, here are a few of my top tips! First, always use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture. It really makes a difference! If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let them cool completely before sealing them up. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. If you’re short on time, a quick zap in the microwave works too, just be careful not to overdo it! And remember, you can always customize the filling with your favorite herbs or cheeses to make it your own. Enjoy experimenting!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! You can mix it up with different types of cheese based on your taste. If you want a sharper flavor, try substituting some of the ricotta with cottage cheese or even goat cheese for a tangy twist. You can also play around with different mozzarella varieties, like smoked mozzarella, which adds a delightful depth. Just keep in mind that the texture and creaminess will vary a bit with each cheese, but experimenting is part of the fun!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super simple! Just place any uneaten Spinach & Cheese Stuffed Shells in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. When you’re ready to dig in again, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through, or use the microwave for a quicker option—just be sure to cover them to keep them moist!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You bet! This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just keep the marinara sauce separate until you’re ready to bake to prevent the shells from getting soggy. If you need to make them even further in advance, you can freeze the assembled shells; just remember to thaw them in the fridge overnight before popping them in the oven. Easy peasy!
Suggested Pairings
If you’re wondering what to serve alongside these delicious Spinach & Cheese Stuffed Shells, I’ve got some great ideas! They pair beautifully with grilled chicken or lemon herb fish for a light and satisfying meal. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, a classic marinara spaghetti makes a fantastic companion, bringing those Italian vibes to the table. For a refreshing touch, consider a simple arugula salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette. Each of these options complements the cheesy goodness perfectly, creating a well-rounded and delightful meal!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
For tips on the health benefits of spinach, you can visit Healthline.
And if you’re interested in learning more about the nutritional value of cheese, check out this study.
Print
Spinach & Cheese Stuffed Shells for Heartwarming Comfort
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Spinach and cheese stuffed shells are a delicious side dish that pairs well with various main courses.
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each pasta shell with the cheese and spinach mixture.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place the stuffed shells in the dish and cover with remaining marinara sauce.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for better flavor.
- You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if preferred.
- Top with more mozzarella for extra cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Spinach Cheese Stuffed Shells