If you are searching for a comforting, delicious, and family-friendly meal, the Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells Baked Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender jumbo pasta shells generously filled with a creamy blend of ricotta, fresh spinach, and melty mozzarella, all smothered in rich marinara sauce and baked to bubbly perfection. This dish is perfect for cozy dinners that feel special yet come together with surprisingly simple ingredients and steps. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself after a long day, these stuffed shells promise a warm, cheesy embrace in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this delightful Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells Baked Pasta Recipe truly shine. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, creaminess, and texture that makes this dish so irresistible.
- 12 jumbo pasta shells: These large pasta pieces are ideal for holding the rich cheese filling securely.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Provides a creamy base with a mild, slightly sweet flavor that blends beautifully with spinach.
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey, stretchy cheesiness that enhances every bite.
- ½ cup spinach, chopped: Fresh spinach brightens the dish with a pop of color and healthy greens.
- 1 cup marinara sauce: The savory tomato sauce brings depth and a tangy contrast to the creamy filling.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder to hold the cheese and spinach mixture together perfectly inside the shells.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Used to sauté or brush, adding a subtle richness and helping prevent sticking.
How to Make Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells Baked Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Shells
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells until they are al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Al dente means they are tender but still firm to the bite, which is important so they don’t fall apart during baking. Drain and rinse gently under cold water to stop the cooking process and make them easier to handle.
Step 2: Make the Cheese and Spinach Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped spinach, and shredded mozzarella. The egg will help to bind these ingredients together, providing a creamy yet secure texture inside the shells. Make sure the spinach is well chopped so each spoonful of filling gets a balanced flavor and a nice green burst.
Step 3: Stuff the Shells
Carefully fill each pasta shell with the cheese and spinach mixture using a spoon. Don’t overstuff, but be generous enough that each bite delivers a creamy, cheesy surprise. This step is fun and a bit therapeutic, so take your time to get a nice, even filling in each shell.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Pour a thin layer of marinara sauce into the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking and to layer flavor from the bottom up. Then, arrange the filled shells snugly in the baking dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, making sure they are nicely covered to keep the cheese moist and melt beautifully.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes. The sauce should be bubbling around the edges, and the cheese inside the shells will be heated through and slightly golden on top. This ensures your Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells Baked Pasta Recipe comes out deliciously hot, comforting, and ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells Baked Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Finish this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley for a bright, fresh flavor and a pop of color. A light dusting of grated Parmesan adds an extra layer of cheesy goodness. These simple garnishes can elevate the visual appeal and taste, making your plate look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
The richness of the stuffed shells pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted garlic broccoli. For those wanting something heartier, a warm garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf helps soak up every bit of the delicious marinara sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in small ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. Alternatively, layer the stuffed shells in a casserole with extra cheese on top for parties — it looks stunning and feeds a crowd effortlessly. You can even drizzle a bit of pesto or balsamic glaze before serving for a gourmet final flourish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep leftovers fresh, let the stuffed shells cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. They should stay good for up to 3 days and still taste amazing when reheated.
Freezing
This Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells Baked Pasta Recipe freezes beautifully. Arrange the stuffed shells in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. This makes it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
Reheating
Reheat leftover shells in the oven at 350 °F (175 °C) covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave, covered, for 2 to 3 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out as much water as possible before mixing it into the cheese filling to avoid excess moisture.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If ricotta isn’t available, cottage cheese (blended for smoothness) or even cream cheese can be used, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use vegan cheese substitutes and replace the egg with a flax egg or vegan binder. Also, make sure your marinara sauce is free from animal products.
Can I prepare the stuffed shells ahead and bake later?
Definitely. You can assemble the stuffed shells and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover tightly to prevent drying out.
How can I make this dish lower in carbs?
Try using zucchini ribbons or low-carb pasta shells as a keto-friendly alternative. This keeps the taste robust while reducing carb content.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly heartwarming about making and sharing the Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells Baked Pasta Recipe. It is a perfect blend of simple ingredients and comforting flavors that comes together to create a meal that everyone will love. Whether you are a seasoned home cook or trying something special for the first time, this recipe makes each dinner feel a little more memorable. I can’t wait for you to enjoy these cheesy, spinach-filled shells as much as I do!
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Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells Baked Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic baked jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, spinach, and egg, baked in a rich marinara sauce. This comforting Italian-inspired dish is family-approved, perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Shells and Filling
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 large egg
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C) to ensure it’s ready when the shells are stuffed and arranged.
- Cook the pasta shells: Boil the jumbo pasta shells in salted water until they are al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, chopped spinach, and the egg. Mix thoroughly until well combined and creamy.
- Stuff the shells: Using a spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell generously with the cheese and spinach mixture.
- Assemble in baking dish: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the filled shells in a single layer over the sauce. Drizzle or spoon remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Optionally, lightly drizzle olive oil on top for added richness.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese filling is set and the sauce is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Serve: Remove from oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh basil or grated Parmesan.
Notes
- Use zucchini ribbons or low-carb pasta shells as a keto-friendly alternative to traditional pasta.
- Substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach, well-drained, if fresh is unavailable.
- For a richer flavor, add grated Parmesan or Romano cheese to the filling mixture.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven to maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
