Description
Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells are a comforting baked pasta dish perfect for family dinners. Jumbo shells are filled with a creamy ricotta mixture, fresh spinach, and a blend of cheeses, then baked in marinara sauce until bubbly and golden.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box (12 oz) jumbo pasta shells
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook jumbo shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water to prevent sticking.
- While the shells cook, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked spinach, ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
- Spoon the ricotta-spinach mixture into each cooked pasta shell.
- Spread about half of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer over the sauce.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese over the top. Add cheddar cheese if using.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.
- Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For an extra creamy filling, you can add a tablespoon of heavy cream to the ricotta mixture.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the filling.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1-2 shells
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving
- Sugar: Varies based on marinara sauce
- Sodium: Varies based on marinara sauce and cheese
- Fat: Varies based on cheese and ricotta
- Saturated Fat: Varies based on cheese and ricotta
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies based on olive oil
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Varies based on pasta and sauce
- Fiber: Varies based on spinach and sauce
- Protein: Varies based on cheese, ricotta, and egg
- Cholesterol: Varies based on cheese, ricotta, and egg