Name: Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells: Amazing Comfort Food
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-488015H25M3S
Total time: PT-488015H25M3S
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 20 jumbo pasta shells; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg, beaten; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups marinara sauce; ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish); Extra mozzarella cheese (for topping)

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Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells are more than just a meal; they’re a warm hug on a plate, bringing back memories of cozy family dinners. I remember the first time I tried making them myself, aiming for that perfect blend of creamy filling and tender pasta, all baked in a rich marinara. The aroma that filled my kitchen – garlic, herbs, and melting cheese – was pure magic. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone gather around the table, eager for a bite. If you’re looking for an easy cheesy spinach shells recipe that’s guaranteed to impress, you’ve found it. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

Incredible flavor explosion: a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory.
Surprisingly quick prep time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
A healthier twist on comfort food, packed with nutrient-rich spinach.
Budget-friendly ingredients that create a gourmet-tasting meal.
A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that kids and adults adore.
It’s a fantastic spinach ricotta stuffed shells recipe that’s easy to master.
You’ll find this spinach ricotta stuffed shells recipe so satisfying and delicious.
A truly comforting and delicious meal that feels like home.

Ingredients for Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful spinach stuffed shells with mozzarella. The jumbo shells are the perfect vehicle for our creamy, flavorful filling. We’ll use fresh spinach, chopped fine, which wilts down beautifully with the cheeses. For that irresistible creaminess, we’re combining 1 cup ricotta cheese with 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded, and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. An 1 large egg, beaten helps bind everything together, while 2 cloves garlic, minced adds a wonderful aroma. Don’t forget 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper for flavor. We’ll need 2 cups marinara sauce to bake them in, and a little extra mozzarella for a golden topping. Fresh basil adds a lovely finish!

How to Make Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Cook the Pasta. First, get a big pot of water boiling and add a generous pinch of salt. Toss in your 20 jumbo pasta shells and cook them until they’re perfectly al dente, usually about 9 to 11 minutes. You want them tender but still holding their shape. Drain them gently and spread them out on a baking sheet or plate so they don’t stick together.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling. While the shells are cooling, let’s make the star of the show! In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (make sure it’s nice and fine), with 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded, and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Add the 1 large egg, beaten, which helps hold everything together beautifully. Stir in 2 cloves garlic, minced, for that amazing garlicky aroma, along with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Mix it all up until you have a wonderfully creamy and fragrant filling. This is where the magic happens for your baked stuffed shells with spinach.
Step 3: Stuff the Shells. Now for the fun part – stuffing! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a spoon and carefully fill each cooked jumbo shell with that delicious cheesy spinach mixture. Don’t be shy; pack them in there! Arrange your stuffed shells snugly in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 4: Add Marinara Sauce. Pour the 2 cups marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Make sure every single shell gets a good coating of that rich, tomatoey sauce. It’s going to bubble up and create a fantastic base for your baked stuffed shells with spinach. Sprinkle the extra mozzarella cheese generously over the top – this creates that irresistible golden, bubbly crust we all love.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the shells to heat through. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil. This is key for getting that gorgeous golden-brown, bubbly cheese on top. Continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn a lovely golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen will be incredible!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve. Once they’re out of the oven, let your amazing cheesy spinach stuffed shells rest for a few minutes. This helps them set up perfectly. Sprinkle the ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped, over the top for a pop of fresh color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting classic!

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells: Amazing Comfort Food - Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

Want to elevate your pasta game? Here are a few tricks I’ve picked up for making truly outstanding cheesy spinach stuffed shells. Using fresh, good-quality ingredients makes a huge difference, especially with the ricotta and Parmesan. Don’t be afraid to season generously – spinach can be a bit mild, so salt and pepper are your friends here. And always, always let them rest for a few minutes before serving; it helps everything set up beautifully.

Use fresh spinach – it has a better flavor and texture than frozen, which can sometimes be watery.
Don’t overcook the pasta shells; they should be al dente as they will continue to cook in the oven.
Taste your filling before stuffing the shells and adjust seasonings as needed.
A mix of cheeses provides the best flavor and meltiness.

What’s the secret to perfect cheesy spinach stuffed shells?

The real secret to perfect creamy spinach stuffed pasta shells lies in the filling and the bake. Ensure your ricotta is well-drained, and don’t overmix the filling. Letting the stuffed shells rest after baking allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to set, preventing a messy dish. For more tips on achieving perfect pasta dishes, check out this guide on cooking pasta.

Can I make cheesy spinach stuffed shells ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and stuff the shells up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator in the baking dish with the sauce. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the covered baking time since they’ll be cold.

How do I avoid common mistakes with cheesy spinach stuffed shells?

A common mistake is overcooking the pasta shells initially, leading to mushy results. Another pitfall is not seasoning the filling enough; taste and adjust! Finally, don’t skip the resting period after baking; it’s crucial for the perfect texture. Understanding the science of cooking can help prevent these common errors.

Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

These delightful cheesy spinach stuffed shells are a meal in themselves, but they pair wonderfully with a few simple additions. For a classic Italian-American experience, serve them alongside a fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. This cuts through the richness of the pasta beautifully. Crusty garlic bread is another fantastic companion; it’s perfect for soaking up any extra marinara sauce from the dish. If you’re looking for a pairing that complements the spinach stuffed shells marinara sauce, consider a simple side of steamed or sautéed green beans or broccoli. It adds a lovely freshness and extra veggies to your comforting meal. You can find great recipes for garlic bread to accompany this dish.

Nutrition Facts for Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving of these delicious spinach and cheese stuffed shells. This dish is a satisfying comfort food that provides a good balance of nutrients. Remember, these are approximate values, and your final numbers might vary slightly depending on your specific ingredients.

Calories: 375 kcal
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Protein: 18g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 650mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For more information on nutritional content, you can refer to resources like the USDA’s guide to nutrition labels.

How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

This wonderful spinach stuffed shells casserole is fantastic for making ahead or enjoying leftovers! Once your delicious cheesy shells have cooled down completely (this is important to prevent sogginess), you can store them. For refrigeration, place any leftovers in an airtight container. They should stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them even longer, they freeze beautifully! Wrap the cooled dish tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. You’ll have a comforting meal ready whenever the craving strikes.

When you’re ready to reheat, there are a couple of easy ways to do it. For refrigerated portions, you can simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator first. Then, reheat as you would the refrigerated ones. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, covered with a damp paper towel, for about 1-2 minutes until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

What are spinach stuffed shells?

What are spinach stuffed shells? They are a classic Italian-American comfort food dish made with jumbo pasta shells that are stuffed with a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese, spinach, and other seasonings, then baked in marinara sauce. They’re a hearty and delicious meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh for my cheesy spinach stuffed shells?

Yes, you absolutely can use frozen spinach! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the filling. This is crucial to avoid a watery filling for your spinach stuffed shells marinara sauce.

What kind of sauce is best for cheesy spinach pasta bake?

A good quality marinara sauce is classic and always delicious for this dish. However, you could also try a creamy Alfredo sauce for a richer, more decadent flavor, or even a simple tomato sauce if you prefer something lighter. The key is a sauce that complements the cheesy spinach filling.

How do I get the shells to stay stuffed while baking?

The best way to ensure your shells stay perfectly stuffed is to not overcook the pasta initially. Cook them just until al dente, so they still have a slight bite and can hold their shape. Also, packing the filling in firmly, but not bursting the shells, helps them stay intact during baking. For more pasta tips, explore pasta cooking techniques.

Variations of Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic, there are so many fun ways to switch up your cheesy spinach stuffed shells! For a lighter take, try this healthy spinach stuffed shells recipe by using part-skim ricotta and mozzarella, or even adding more finely chopped vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to the filling. If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, consider swapping the marinara for a creamy Alfredo sauce, or adding a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta mixture for a subtle warmth. You can also make these baked stuffed shells with spinach in a slow cooker on low for about 3-4 hours for an easy, hands-off meal. For those who love a little heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes into the filling or sauce is a great addition!