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Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells Baked Pasta Recipe

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4.3 from 54 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • 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

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C) to ensure it’s ready when the shells are stuffed and arranged.
  2. 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.
  3. Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, chopped spinach, and the egg. Mix thoroughly until well combined and creamy.
  4. Stuff the shells: Using a spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell generously with the cheese and spinach mixture.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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

Find it online: https://sarasplate.com/cheesy-spinach-stuffed-shells-baked-pasta-recipe/