Description
Cheesy baked stuffed shells blend ricotta, spinach, and herbs into pasta perfection. Rich Italian-American comfort cuisine delivers hearty satisfaction for dinner gatherings with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box jumbo pasta shells
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup spinach, fresh or frozen (thawed and drained)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsps fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375F (190C), ensuring precise temperature for optimal cooking.
- Boil jumbo pasta shells until tender yet firm, then carefully drain and let cool slightly.
- Craft a luxurious filling by blending ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped spinach, whisked egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper into a smooth, creamy mixture.
- Gently spoon the cheese mixture into each shell, filling generously but avoiding overstuffing.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the stuffed shells carefully in the prepared dish, nestling them close together.
- Lavishly pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sprinkle an additional layer of mozzarella cheese across the top for extra richness.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, trapping moisture and heat.
- Remove foil and continue baking for 10 more minutes until cheese turns golden and edges become slightly crispy.
- Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven to set the filling.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a vibrant, aromatic finish before serving.
Notes
- Ensure shells are perfectly al dente by cooking 1-2 minutes less than package instructions to prevent overcooking during baking.
- Use room temperature cheeses for smoother, more evenly distributed filling that blends seamlessly.
- Consider adding protein like ground chicken or turkey to the cheese mixture for a heartier version of the dish.
- For gluten-free option, replace traditional pasta shells with gluten-free alternative shells or use zucchini boats as a low-carb substitute.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg